Lee's Summit Lifestyle April 2014

Lee’s Summit

april 2014

LeesSummitLifestyle.com

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Eggstravagant Home

Prom Boutique Little Free Libraries Junior Police Academy School of Philanthropy

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Featured Homes of the Month 5473 NE Northgate Crossing Lakewood Golf Course — $539,900

14410 Raytown Road Acreage — $589,500

350 NW Lakewood Blvd 10+ Acres — $2,195,000

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26108 E 99th Street (Acreage, Great Value) Timber Meadows — $459,500

2409 NE Lake Bluff Court Woodland Shores — $697,500

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416 SW Tucker Ridge Winterset Park — $443,500 MLS# 1864761

New ListiNg 4231 NE Edmonson Court Lakewood — $497,500

8950 Rhinehart Road (Acreage) Lee’s Summit — $680,000 MLS# 1870372

4514 NE DeLaMar Place (Lakefront) Lakewood — By Owner/Broker

304 NE Sunderland Court Lakewood — $255,000

Price Upon Request

Elite

Find your next home at www.ToniTygart.com

4243 NE Lakewood Way, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064

816.795.2500 office | 816.373.5558 direct

4501 NE Gateway Drive Dalton’s Ridge — $535,000 MLS# 1870994

4311 NE VIVION RD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64119 816.453.1111 MJEWELRY.COM

Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers Market...

Fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and more return to the Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers Market beginning April 5. The market is open from 7 a.m. to sell-out Wednesdays and Saturdays through Nov. 29.

Save the Date: Spring Celebration at the Farmers Market is May 10.

Downtown Bunny Hop...

Children and their families are invited to the Downtown Bunny Hop from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday April 19, in Downtown Lee’s Summit, where the Easter Bunny will lead the parade from City Hall Plaza to Howard Station Park.

After the parade, kids can have photos taken with the Easter Bunny, so be sure to bring a camera. Visit participating stores to receive free candy until noon and join in the Easter Bonnet & Hat Contest in Howard Station Park following the parade.

Yours Truly, downtownLS.org | 816-246-6598

downtownls.org

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DTLS

Get your life back.

Let’s face it, sometimes life throws more

at us than we can handle. That’s why so many people rely on Lakewood Counseling Service in downtown Lee’s Summit. It’s where you’ll find trusted and compassionate professionals ready to partner with you to help you get things back on track.

Take that first step. Call 816.404.6187.

• Individual, Group and Family Counseling • Child and Family Services • Medication Management • Substance Abuse and Gambling Treatment • Senior Services We accept most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare.

Look Book

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Henry’s Antiques Collectibles Tearoom

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Through these doors Treasures are found, Friends are made, Traditions are created.

300 SE 2nd Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 trumed.org 401 SE Douglas St., Lee's Summit, MO |

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Call 816.524.3992

Visit us online at HenrysAntiques.com & HenrysTearoom.com

Editor's Letter

Spring has sprung!

april 2014 publisher Steven Schowengerdt | Steven@LifestylePubs.com

Finally!

Has a group of people ever been more ready for the grass to turn green and the first bulbs to bloom? This past winter was hard on many of us and I’m sure having the kids home from school day after day combined with what seemed like an endless number of grey days that topped off with temperatures in the single digits have made us all look forward to spring more than we have in the past.

editor Lisa Harrison | Lisa@LifestylePubs.com assistant editor Kendra Mathewson | KMathewson@LifestylePubs.com chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

director of marketing | Brad Broockerd art director | Carrie Brophy

So green is the theme for this month’s issue in more ways than one.

You may have noticed a slightly different look and feel to the magazine now in your hands. We’ve worked with our printers in Lawrence to consider different paper finishing processes that are slightly more environmentally friendly than others. We invite you to let us know what you think of the matte finish.

chief sales officer Matthew Perry | Matthew@LifestylePubs.com advertising sales Darla Hall | DHall@LifestylePubs.com Laura Paszkiewicz | Laura@LifestylePubs.com

advertising director | Mike Baugher

I attended an event recently which showcased many area vendors who want to encourage us all to reduce, reuse and recycle just a little bit more. From energy studies of our homes to curbside glass recycling service, from solar panels for the home to programs which encourage kids to walk or bike to school, it was a most informative and inspirational evening. I came home more motivated than ever to continue to work to reduce my family’s carbon footprint, so to speak.

This month I encourage you to make a green resolution of your own. Pledge to do one thing differently in your home or place of work that will positively impact the environment. Maybe you’ll reduce your use of bottled water or place a trash bin in your kitchen just for recyclables. Or maybe you’ll start a curbside glass recycling program for your neighborhood homes association. Be it big or small, every step towards reducing, reusing and recycling is a step in the right direction.

production director | Christina Sandberg ad coordinator | Cyndi Vreeland regional art director | Sara Minor executive assistant | Lori Cunningham contributing writers Lisa Allen, Katherine Bontrager, Ann Butenas, Chris Clark, Judy Harper Goppert, Rachel Hodgson, Kendra Mathewson, Sharmin Meadows, Rebecca Murphy, Elizabeth Rosenberger, Denise Snodell, Kimberly Winter Stern, Tom Strongman, Sheri Thompson

contributing photographers Parker Harrison, McKenna Mathewson,

Enjoy the sunshine neighbors, and I’ll see you around town!

Brandon Schultz, Tom Strongman

application architect | Michael O’Connell it director | Randy Aufderheide

Lisa Harrison, Editor Lisa@LifestylePubs.com

Published monthly, subscriptions are also available for $22 for 1 year, $39 for 2 years by visiting LeesSummitLifestyle.com

by Community ™ Proverbs 3:5-6 Contact us at:

on the cover

The creative collaborations of Eliene Blundell and Ann Hummel inspire all who visit the Hummel home at Easter.

Read more on page 24. photography by brandon schultz.

| LeesSummitLifestyle.com |

7373 West 107th Street, Suite 201 Overland Park, KS 66212 913.599.4300 | LeesSummitLifestyle.com

join us

Lee’s Summit Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Lee’s Summit most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Lee’s Summit Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

So much planning goeS into retirement.

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You have only so many years to prepare for retirement. That’s why contributing to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is so important. Fortunately, you still have time to maximize your 2013 IRA contribution before the April 15 deadline.

By contributing now, yourand retirement savingscannot can have more to grow.

Edward Jones, its employees financial advisors provide tax opportunity advice. You should consult with a qualified tax specialist for Even if you advice already an IRA situation. elsewhere, it’s easy to transfer it to an Edward professional for have your specific Jones IRA and begin receiving the face-to-face guidance you deserve.

Call or visit any of our financial advisors in the Lee’s Summit area.

To find an Edward Jones office near you, visit www.edwardjjones.com.

Kevin Haines Financial Advisor

Matt Knehans, AAMS Financial Advisor

Thom Schlosser, CFP® Financial Advisor

559 SE Melody Lane Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816-554-9077

120 SW 2nd Street Ste. 102 Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816-554-0074

192 NW Oldham Parkway Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 816-525-0770

kevin.haines@edwardjones.com

matt.knehans@edwardjones.com

thom.schlosser@edwardjones.com

Anne Pedersen, CFP® Financial Advisor

Matt Sibbing, AAMS Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

615 NE Woods Chapel Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816-554-7446

1255 NE Rice Road Suite D Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 816-347-8375

400 SW Longview Blvd. Ste. 250 Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 816-761-1045

anne.pedersen@edwardjones.com

matt.sibbing@edwardjones.com

tom.wilson@edwardjones.com

Stephen White Financial Advisor

Ryan Barber, AAMS Financial Advisor

3540 SW Market Street Lee’s Summit, MO 64082 816-623-9946

801 NE Lakewood Blvd.

Lee’s Summit, MO 64064 816-478-0053

steve.white@edwardjones.com

ryan.barber@edwardjones.com

Tom Wilson

Departments

April 2014

24

18

Around Town

24

Open House

30 What’s Cooking?

32

Hot Spot

42 Your Neighbor 44 Family Feature 46 Giving Back 50 Parent's Corner 54 Healthy Lifestyle 58

Star Students

60 Real Wives 62

Artist’s Palette

64 Animal Tracks

34 Authors Among Us

From page to print, these local writers are making

their mark in the publishing world.

66 Tech Today 68 Driver's Notebook

36 Leave a Book, Take a Book

73

Sold Properties

74

Field Trip

76

Lifestyle Calendar

82

Parting Thoughts

Promoting literacy and community one Little Free Library at a time.

38 Course of Dreams

34

World-class golf in Nebraska makes an intoxicating weekend.

36

38

Lifestyle Publications Lee’s Summit, MO | West FW, TX | Newport Beach, CA | Paradise Valley, AZ | North Scottsdale, AZ | Chandler, AZ | Boulder, CO | Boulder County, CO | Tulsa, OK Springfield, MO | Leawood, KS | Johnson County, KS | Northland, MO | BuckHaven, GA | Perimeter North, GA | Mt. Pleasant, SC | OneFourteen, TX

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Good Times

Taste of Lee’s Summit Raises $110,000 for Educational Excellence

Nothing brings the best out of our community like Lee’s Summit Educational Foundation’s annual event at the John Knox Pavilion. This year’s 580 guests enjoyed all things Lee’s Summit while supporting this great cause.

Co-chair Chip Moxley on stage.

Kristen Merrell & Julie Kubiak

Candy & Bob White 12 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Jan & Chris Troester

Mayor Rhoads & Gloria Helmer

Chris & Audra Storms

Betty & Bud Hertzog

Susie Zammar & David Gale

Visit LSsymphony.org for concert and ticket information

Enchanting...

More than 400 years ago, long before pop music, rap or rock, Italian composer, Claudio Monteverdi was arranging his opera, “Orfeo,” to the delight of audiences from far and wide. Continuing this tradition, the Lee’s Summit Symphony provides our community with an opportunity to surround themselves with an uncompromising encounter which truly nourishes the mind and refreshes the spirit. We invite you to discover the unexpected treasures which have truly endured the test of time. Listen and you’ll see.

UPCOMIng Lee’S SUMMIT SyMPhOny PerfOrMAnCe Sunday, May 25 at 3 p.m. • Symphony Showcase The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Yours Truly,

Good Times

Lifestyle Publications Meet & Mingle Event at EBT Business owners and community leaders joined the Lifestyle Publications team for a quarterly networking event and enjoyed delicious refreshments provided by EBT.

ENROLL TODAY nelson-atkins.org | 816.751.1ART

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N O I T C A IN CAMPS start in July

14 SummerClasses_LessSummitLifestyle_ad_Apr14_2.indd Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014 1

SUMMER ARTCLASSES FOR AGES 3 TO ADULT

45th & Oak, Kansas City, Missouri 3/3/14 12:01 PM

2nd Annual Lotawana .01K Run

The grueling, long distance 315 runners covered showed their resolve, competitive spirit and sense of humor as the community endured freezing conditions to raise money for Lake Lotawana’s Ski Club.

Cindy Moorehead and three generations of her family

Gigi Harris, Grayson Chamblin, Annica Valmassei

Elliot & Baxter Reed, James Aholt

Tricia Wynd, Monica Ernst, Lisa Dundar & Kelly Fritzlen

Mother’s Day is May 11th

You have the perfect mom...

Alissa’s has the perfect floral and gift!

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April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 15

Good Times

A Green Affaire, Inaugural Event for Green Wish KC Locally sourcing restaurants and Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery treated attendees to delicious local fare to support environmental charities KC Food Circle, Kansas City Community Gardens, Bridging the Gap, Jerusalem Farm and the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary. Learn more at GreenWish.com.

Anita Long & Gail Keller

Dale Cordes & Kim Taggart

Green Wish Board: Stephanie Kelly, Stephanie Cherra, Joe Sjuts, Maria Holiday & Chad Elliot

Jim & Carol Skelton

Kristin Riott, Amy Smith & Jay Antle

Laura & Rich Carey

INSPIRING SPIRITUAL AND ACADEMIC 2014 - 2015 School Registration Open Enrollment begins March 3, 2014 Call for a Tour Visit Registration Information under the Parents Tab on school website for more details

A place where students care, where teachers care, where families care, A place where caring counts.

Our Lady of the

Presentation

School

16 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Our Lady of the Presentation School 150 NW Murray Road Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 816-251-1150

www.olplsschool.org

“Lee’s Summit’s Catholic School”

My Cancer Center Saved My Life With cancer, receiving the right diagnosis is essential to beginning the right treatment plan. Fortunately, Cathy Young found her cancer center right here, close to home.

At The University of Kansas Cancer Center – Lee’s Summit, patients like Cathy receive the latest cancer care in one convenient location. Here, experts develop customized treatment plans for each individual patient, as unique to them as their own fingerprint. This personalized approach leads to better outcomes. In fact, National Cancer Institutedesignated Cancer Centers show 25% better patient outcomes than non-designated cancer centers.

Why would you go anywhere else?

Just ask Cathy.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center − Lee’s Summit Just off Lakewood and I-470

To make an appointment, schedule a second opinion or speak with a nurse, call 913-588-1227. kucancercenter.org/LeesSummit

PA91780114

Cathy Young, Lee’s Summit Chamber director of member services, grandmother, boating enthusiast and cancer survivor – found her #HopeInLS.

Around Town purchase instructional materials for students.

The school is also displaying the Energy Olympics traveling trophy.

In addition, Westview was honored earlier this school year as the R-7 School District’s top recycling school through the One Earth, One Chance program, sponsored by Deffenbaugh Industries. This is the second year in a row that Westview has captured this award.

interiors and gifts shop. Owner Eliene Blundell has created an initiative to be as “green” as possible: -Bring in 10 used flower vases and get $10 off any $30 purchase of anything in the store.

-Customers can request “green glass” (recycled glass) vases to use for arrangements.

-Alissa’s recycles all their boxes, water bottles and food containers.

Cat in the Hat Visits Lee’s Summit

SCA 8th grade students Connor Healy and Bo Redford.

Summit Christian Academy Debate Champs Summit Christian Academy (SCA) 8th grade students Connor Healy and Bo Redford took first place in the 7th & 8th grade speech and debate tournament at Sunnyvale Middle School. The debate duo competed against 40 teams from 17 schools.

“I am so pleased with Connor and Bo’s success,” says SCA Speech & Debate Teacher and Coach Mrs. Anne Mussatti. “The team has worked very hard this year and their success is the result of all of this preparation. We are also pleased that Bo earned the Top Speaker Award for all of the debaters participating.”

SCA is an independent, nondenominational Christian school serving over 700 preschool through high school students. Established in 1989, SCA is located on a 36-acre campus and holds dual accreditation through North Central Association and Association of Christian Schools International.

Schools Recognized for Energy Conservation Three Lee’s Summit schools were recently recognized through the school district’s energy conservation efforts. Westview Elementary won first place, Meadow Lane Elementary won second place and Trailridge Elementary won third.

At Westview Elementary, students and staff members reduced their overall energy usage by nearly 20 percent when compared to the previous school year.

As the Energy Olympics winner, Westview receives a $750 award, which will be used to 18 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

The Cat in the Hat behaved himself very well while greeting bunches of kids who clambered to meet him in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday week. KCPT enticed the Cat to come to the party in the Children’s Edutainment Center of Paradise Park where guests created Dr. Seuss crafts and treats in honor of the author’s 110th birthday.

Cartridge World Celebrates Earth Day Every Day Lisa Pycior, owner of Cartridge World-Lee’s Summit, provides a simple green solution for local businesses and consumers who want to save money. People everywhere are considering what they can do to protect the environment. Cartridge World-Lee’s Summit offers a simple, quality solution than can have a significant impact to help preserve the earth’s limited natural resources.

“It is our mission to save the planet, one printer cartridge at a time,” she says. “Each year, more than 350 million cartridges are discarded into our country’s landfills. We’re here to remind everybody that there is a better way to replace your ink and toner. Most printer cartridges can be refilled or remanufactured. Using remanufactured products not only helps the environment, but it can be substantially more affordable when compared to the cost of buying a new cartridge.”

For more information: 816.246.4845, cartridgeworldls@sbcglobal.net or Cartridge World.com/store216.

Shop Alissa’s and Support Sustainable Practices Looking to shop at places who employ “green” practices in how they do business?

One local business is doing just that. Alissa’s Flowers & Interiors on the northern edge of Lee’s Summit in Crackerneck Plaza is a florist,

The Cat in the Hat at Paradise Park for Dr.Seuss’ birthday.

-Alissa’s buys “made in the USA” as much as possible.

Find something new, something different, something that speaks to you, and something that supports sustainable environmental practices at Alissa’s.

CHAMBER CAPTURES TOP ACCREDITATION The Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce has received the highest rating, a 5-star accreditation, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

The 5-Star Accreditation recognizes the Chamber for sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and positive impact on the community.

Accreditation is the only national program that recognizes chambers for their effective organizational procedures and community involvement. In order to receive Accreditation, a chamber must meet minimum standards in

their operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, and technology. This extensive self-review can take 6-9 months to complete.

Accreditation, and more specifically, 5-Star accreditation, is a rare thing to find. Currently, in the state of Missouri only two other chambers have reached this level. In the State of Kansas only two Chambers are ranked at this level.

Local Author Teams Up with Chef for Newest Book Lee’s Summit author Rachel Ellyn—known for a vivid imagination for the sublimely whimsical—has written another book for the young set, this time starring a humble piece of bread, Little Slice.

You’re Toast, which follows Little Slice’s giant dreams of being transformed into a gourmet dish worthy of a five-star restaurant, was recently launched at a real-life, chef-driven book-signing dinner at Kansas City’s iconic Italian restaurant, Jasper’s.

Ellyn, whose trademark style is writing with a twist, has penned a lovable children’s tale featuring Little Slice, a tiny underdog with a big taste for adventure.

“Little Slice is a shy character, but so desperately wants to be included in the Kitchen Crewe’s escapades,” says Ellyn of You’re Toast’s star. “It only makes sense that the book—along with Little Slice’s courage to join the top chefs—debuts at one of Kansas City’s most-loved restaurants.”

Ellyn’s seventh book, peppered with gentle humor, includes toast-inspired recipes from some of Kansas City’s top chefs and food artisans.

Parenting Classes Offered

by L.S. CARES and School District The course for parents of tweens/teens will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 4 through April 8, at Pleasant Lea Middle School.

Cost is $42. The course will include information about ef-

fective ways to stay connected, set enforceable limits and prepare teenagers for success in life.

Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood will be 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, April 15 through May 7, at Great Beginnings Early Education Center. Cost is $20. Parents will learn effective ways to reduce whining and power struggles and establish a positive discipline foundation in the home.

Parenting the Love and Logic Way, offered for parents with children of all ages, will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays, April 7 through May 12, at Longview Farm Elementary School. Cost is $42. Parents will learn effective ways to respond to common discipline concerns with young and older children as well as techniques to raise young people who are respectful, responsible and fun.

Call Bev at 816.347.3259 or visit LSCares.org.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation Finalists Five Lee’s Summit R-7 School District seniors were recently named National Merit Scholarship Corporation finalists. Students recognized

CELEBRATE 25

Revel with us in traditional black-tie attire to commemorate 25 years and three new species of cold-weather penguins at the zoo. You will enjoy cuisine from Kansas City’s finest restaurants, live music and more. Tickets now available.

JUNE 6, 2014 | 816.595.1234 | WWW.JAZZOOKC.ORG PRESENTING SPONSOR

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 19

Around Town

WE BELIEVE

are Kyle Angle and Andy Jarnevic, Lee’s Summit High School; Sam Dowd and Evan Weidner, Lee’s Summit North High School; and Anna Poudel, Lee’s Summit West High School.

Outdoor Laser Tag Open at Paradise Park

IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST MUSCLE TONE.

The big idea for Paradise Park’s latest attraction began with the dream to totally transform the classic outside games of hide-n-seek and tagyou’re-it into modern high-tech fun -- completely outdoors. The dream became a reality when Paradise Park paired a 5,000-square-foot area with state-of-the art gaming equipment. Harmless laser beams mean no pain and no bruises like paintball. No paint and no mess, either.

Outdoor Laser Tag is located outside next to the Children’s Interactive Garden and the Miniature Golf course on the east side of the facility.

Outdoor Laser Tag is played in daylight and at night with 12 to 18 players on the field for each game. This high tech fun involves running, jumping, rolling, and dodging for cover. Games inspire motion that keeps players healthy and active.

Paradise-Park.com

New Website Connects Golf Courses and Tournament Planner

Take advantage of 50% off initiation fees for any of our fitness membership packages today! *Offer expires 6.30.14

It’s the perfect opportunity to strengthen your body and your budget.

The Glenn H. Korff state-of-the-art fitness center offers Cybex strength and cardio gear, free weights, a Paramount Functional Trainer, VO2 and RMR Testing, Body Composition Testing and Functional Movement Assessments, plus numerous fitness classes, to fit your busy schedule.

Call 816.565.4017 to take advantage of this great offer!

1901 NW Blue Pkwy | Unity Village, MO 64065 Located at Unity Village

awakenwholelifecenter.com

20 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

A new golf course search engine, PlanMy Tournament.com, connects golf courses with golf tournament planners. There is no other website like this currently available to serve the $68 billion golf industry.

After a year of planning and website development, PlanMyTournament.com is now available and allows anyone to search for a golf course based on geographic area then displays information about the course including tournament planner information, business details, and golf tournament planner ratings and reviews PlanMyTournament.com is focused on providing value for the tournament planner. Tournament planners with a registered profile can review a golf course, access educational articles and downloadable templates to aid the tournament planning process. Golf courses can claim their page to add photos and provide specific tournament information to better educate tournament planners about their facilities.

I am ... … a Royals Hall of Famer. … a TV broadcast analyst. … community-minded. … an entrepreneur. … a blood donor. … appreciative. … thankful. … giving. … blessed.

Jeff Montgomery used to save games for the Royals with his arm. These days, he does something more important with his arm; he rolls up his sleeve, donates blood and saves lives. Jeff still has a busy schedule, but that doesn’t stop him from being a loyal and dedicated blood donor who takes 60 minutes of his time every 56 days to help save a life in his community.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org

Shop Five Lee’s Summit businesses MayMay 1-31, andin you couldand win Shop Five Lee’s Summit businesses 1-31, turn your receipts you$1,000! could win $1,000!

No catches, spamming, wereward just want to rewardSummit Lee’s Summit residents for for keeping their their sales tax dollarstax in our city. Remember, It’s not No catches, no spamming - we no just want to Lee’s residents keeping sales dollars in our city. about how MUCH you spend, it’s about WHERE you spend it. Download and print an entry form at LSChamber.com or visit the Lee’s Summit

Remember, it’s not about how MUCH you spend, it’s about WHERE you spend it.

Chamber of Commerce at 220 SE Main Street in Downtown Lee’s Summit.

shop • dine • play

coordinated by the Lee’s Summit Chamber

Complete this form and mail/drop off to the Lee’s Summit Chamber, 220 SE Main Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063

Shop Lee’s Summit Entry Form - Contest Runs May 1-31, 2014 Name

Receipt 1 Receipt 2

Address

Receipt 3

Phone

Receipt 4 Receipt 5

Email I do not wish to receive emails

Receipts Total =

Official Contest Rules & Regulations 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Purchases must be made during the official contest timeline, Thursday, May 1–Saturday, May 31, 2014 Each entry shall consist of five original receipts from five separate locations (no minimum purchase necessary). No photocopied receipts will be accepted. Multiple entries per person will be accepted. Entries may not include returns, utilities or lottery tickets.

Participants must fill out the receipt totals box above.

Entries must be at the Chamber office no later than Wednesday, June 4 by 5 p.m.

Participants must be 18 or older by April 30, 2014.

Participants must live within the city limits of Lee’s Summit, Mo. (winners will be required to provide valid ID) Receipts must be from businesses located within the city limits of Lee’s Summit, Mo. The official contest winner will be notified prior to the award presentation being held at Rock the Green on Friday, June 20.

No purchase required (limit one), see Chamber for details

shop • dine • play

Around Town Historic Sites Now Open in Independence This is no joke: Tuesday, April 1 marks not only the harbinger of Spring, but also the season opening of many notable historic sites in Independence.

“After the winter we have been having here in the Midwest, the beginning of April offers the promise of greener grass, birds singing louder and the historic sites of Independence opening,” says Cori Day, tourism director for the City of Independence, Mo. “April is always a great time to visit.”

Bingham-Waggoner Estate at 313 W Pacific Avenue 816.461.3491 BWEstate.org 1859 Jail & Marshal’s Home Museum at 217 N Main St. 816.252.1892 JCHS.org Vaile Mansion at 1500 N. Liberty 816.325.7430 VaileMansion.org

FIRST FRIDAYS IN THE CROSSROADS & FOOD TRUCKS First Fridays in the Crossroads continues to enjoy the urban dining craze with the ORIGINAL “Truck Stop,” which opened four years ago at 21st & Wyandotte.

The “Truck Stop” is the established location known by Kansas Citians who want to grab some yummy food and enjoy a night with beer and music.

On site April 4th will be the new food truck organization “Food Truck Mafia” with members KC BBQ Truck, Fizzy Lifting Drinks, Crave, Beauty of the Bistro, KC Bobs, Coffee Cake KC, El Tenedor, Eat Arapas, Organized Chaos and the newest truck called KC BOBS. Additional trucks on site will be Jersulem Café, Jimmy D’s, Monks Roast Beef and Lutifis Fried Fish.

“The Truck Stop” provides a designated meeting point and regular hours of operation for KC food trucks on First Fridays in the Crossroads, it also helps concentrate each vendor’s scattered customer bases in the Crossroads.

Additional information is available on their Facebook page, facebook.com/Truck Stop in the Crossroads.

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 23

Open House

A Home that Sparkles Easter Cheer

Article Judy Harper Goppert Photography Brandon Schultz

I

t takes a special eye to create the festive atmosphere found in the Hummel family home each season. The creative collaborations of Eliene Blundell and Ann Hummel inspire all who visit.

Under Eliene’s artful designer’s touch, Ann’s unique collections come together in ways she could never have imagined and enhance their home with the ambiance of each season.

For Easter this year, whimsical bunnies, unique glass prism crosses, Easter egg trees adorned with bright colored globes and adorable caricatures decorate the Hummel home with Eliene’s unique flair.

24 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Eliene owns Alissa’s Flowers north of Lee’s Summit in the Crackerneck Plaza. She completely transforms her own shop regularly, creating a fresh environment embellished with seasonal accoutrements. The two met when Ann happened into Eliene’s shop near where her husband works.

“My husband, Gregory, is an orthopedic surgeon and was working at Independence Regional in the late 80s, and I would go visit him and stop by their shop,” Ann says.

About ten years ago, I started having Eliene come in and decorate for me. She is so creative and talented,” says Ann. Ann has amassed a collection of lovely pieces for the home during her travels across the United States and the world, continued >

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 25

Open House

(continued)

including an extensive Radko ornament collection. Ann began collecting the ornaments when her daughters were young.

Ann explains she has so many different items, she needed a new eye to help with how to best arrange them, and their partnership was born. Each time Eliene comes to transform Ann’s home, she enjoys leaving in the morning and coming home later to discover what Blundell has created each holiday. Eliene even goes to market and texts Ann photos of things she thinks Ann would like for her home.

Ann’s family enjoys coming to her home for the holidays to see all the new festive décor. Easter is special, and she prepares a de26 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

lightful Easter meal for her three daughters, their husbands and her eight grandchildren. If weather permits, they eat outdoors on the picturesque patio.

“I make a baked pineapple the kids all love, it was one my mother always cooked,” Ann says.

Ann and Gregory met while both were participating in a volunteer program when they were both in college. They celebrate their 39th anniversary this year in August. They enjoy traveling and have visited 45 national parks so far.

“Seeing these beautiful parks has opened my mind,” she says.

“Every summer, we take 10 days and Greg plans out where we will

go. We’ve been to Oregon and seen Mount St. Helens and the Olympic Mountains, and to Billings, Montana, to see Glacier National Park and Little Big Horn, and so many others.”

Their three daughters and their husbands live nearby.

“All of our daughters had their wedding receptions at our house,” says Ann. The oldest, Jennifer, and husband, Jack, live in Overland Park.

They have three children. Their middle daughter, Amy, and husband, Brock, live in Lee’s Summit and have two children. Youngest daughter, Sarah, and her husband, Paul, live in Loch Lloyd.

They have a set of twins and a four-month-old baby boy.

“All my grandchildren are under the age of seven,” remarks Ann. They also share their home with two adorable pugs, Layla and Max, and a new German Shepard puppy, Valkyrie.

Easter is also fun at her lovely home because she creates a fairy garden on their acreage and holds an Easter egg hunt that all the grandchildren enjoy.

Eliene will return to place fresh flowers around the home when Easter gets closer, creating a luscious setting for this delightful family to enjoy. And with the next season, creativity will flourish once again.

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 27

I am ... … a cancer patient. … an artist. … creative. … a singer. … a funny. … a blood recipient. … inspiring. … bright. … braved. … sweet. … loved.

Natalie Grace is Wonder Girl!

She is a super hero artist who possesses a super power like no other. She gives smiles, joy and warm cheer through her works of art. Natalie Grace is also a blood recipient who battles PreB-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She is thankful for blood donors who took just 60 minutes of their time to help save her life.

Who are you?

savealifenow.org

What’s Cooking?

Let’s Do Brunch W

eekends and brunch just seem to go together, but who says they have to come together at a restaurant? Hosting family and friends in the comfort of your home for this ultimate weekend meal can be a breeze.

Easter brunch doesn’t need to be fancy or fussy. All you need is a couple of easy-to-prepare dishes and drinks to serve outdoors on the deck, around the dining room table or in the kitchen – it’s your call.

Serve up a stylish spread

Whatever your style, it’s a good bet that eggs will be part of the menu. Impress guests with a clever twist – combine two morning favorites, strata and baked eggs. The strata layer – bread, cheese and herbs – is nestled underneath two gently-baked eggs in ramekins lined with prosciutto or ham. It’s easy to assemble and the result is impressive, both in looks and flavor.

With Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs, you no longer need to be concerned about serving eggs gently-cooked, such as sunnyside-up, poached or soft-boiled. There’s also no need to worry about the use of raw eggs in homemade mayo, cookie dough or smoothies. By using an all-natural warm water bath pasteurization process, the risk of salmonella is eliminated without affecting the nutrition, flavor or cooking properties. So it’s safe to enjoy runny yolks because the eggs are pasteurized. Safest Choice eggs are hormone and antibiotic-free, vegetarian-fed and Kosher. And each egg is stamped with a red “circle P” to identify that it has been pasteurized by the company’s patented process.

Simple, flavorful additions

Serving is no-fuss. Each guest gets an individual ramekin, so there’s no dishing up at the last minute. Accompaniments can be as simple as a mixed greens salad, a platter of seasonal fruits and favorite brunch cocktails. Of course, there must be plenty of great coffee, too. Enjoy these tasty stratas worry free since: pasteurized = peace of mind.

For additional recipes for every season and occasion, or to learn more about Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs, visit SafeEggs.com.

Individual Cheese & Herb Stratas

Preparation Time: 20 min.

Cook Time: 25 min.

Makes: 4 servings 8 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham 2 cups French or Italian bread pieces (1-inch pieces) 30 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

2 tablespoons melted butter 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (see note) 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (see note) 8 Safest Choice Pasteurized Eggs Salt

Coarse ground black pepper

Minced bell pepper (optional)

Chopped fresh herbs (optional) Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter bottom and sides of four 10 to 12 ounce ramekins or spray with nonstick cooking spray Line each ramekin with 2 slices prosciutto or ham with some extending over sides.

In large bowl, toss bread pieces and melted butter together. Stir in cheese and herbs. Divide mixture evenly among ramekins pressing down lightly. Break 2 eggs into each ramekin. Add salt and pepper, as desired. Sprinkle bell pepper around eggs, if desired.

Place ramekins on rimmed baking sheet. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until whites are set and yolks begin to firm, or to desired doneness.

Garnish with additional herbs, if desired.

Notes: • Other cheeses, such as cubed mozzarella or cheddar, may be substituted for goat cheese.

• One or a combination of herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, chives or parsley may be used.

Every day is Mother’s Day at Cosentino’s Price Chopper

Two Lee’s Summit Locations!

Cosentino’s Price Chopper 251 SW Greenwich Drive Lee’s Summit, MO 64082

Cosentino's Price Chopper 937 NE Woods Chapel Road Lee's Summit, MO 64064

Congratulations Graduates!

Hot Spot

French dip and Swiss sandwich

The Rebecca Grille New Longview is the new place they call home

Article Sharmin Meadows | Photography Parker Harrison

T

he Rebecca Grille started out as a fine dining establishment in downtown Springfield, Mo., in 2011. In July 2013 owners Noah and Amy Smith decided to make a few changes. They moved their restaurant to the New Longview Community in Lee’s Summit and reworked the menu into a more casual approach, opening in October 2013.

Lumber Baron R.A. Long built Longview Farms in 1914. Many of the original structures still stand such as the water tower, entrance and dairy barns. The new Rebecca Grille is in the space that has been home to The Sawmill and J Beans. The building is full of history as it boasts original pieces from R.A. Long’s daughter, Loula Long- Combs’, horse barn. The downstairs dining room features an original 1913 brass-and-opalescent-glass Tiffany light fixture, six stable doors, two of which set aside a beautiful fireplace, and 100-year-old tongue-and-groove Cyprus. Long’s daughter was famous for her passion for breeding and training horses and was a celebrity at the American Royal until she was in her 80s.

I was able to visit The Rebecca Grille for lunch with my mom and we had a delightful time. The location at New Longview is perfect. I love the quaintness of the area shops and businesses.

32 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

The menu offers plenty to choose from including soups, salads and sandwiches as well as entrees that include beef, chicken, seafood and house-made pastas.

Since it was lunchtime, we opted for sandwiches. I got the chicken Souvlaki pita ($8) and chose the house salad with sweet onion vinaigrette ($1.50) rather than fries. The pita, which has

Greek spiced sautéed chicken breast, caramelized onions, shredded romaine, tomato and tzatziki sauce was quite tasty. My mom ordered the French dip and Swiss sandwich. ($8) The shaved grilled rib eye steak was tender and the melted Swiss cheese along with the au jus, made the sandwich. Our server informed us that the French dip is one of their best sellers.

The Rebecca Grille features daily lunch and dinner specials

Homemade cheesecake and chocolate truffle cake

which often include oak fire grilled steaks and burgers. Their Olive Juice Martini Lounge is staffed with a certified mixologist who is able to make just about anything from the bar, which contains a variety of house-infused flavored vodkas and bourbons. A variety of desserts including homemade cheesecake and chocolate truffle cake are on the menu as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The brunch is an a la carte brunch rather than a buffet. Prices for the brunch items range from $7-$12 making it very family-friendly.

The service was friendly and attentive and the space is warm and inviting. I prefer to support locally owned businesses in Lee’s Summit as much as possible and adding The Rebecca Grille as an option makes it even easier.

Come celebrate with us!

10 Year Anniversary

Come be our guest at our open house Wednesday, May 7, 2014 from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at 233 SE Main Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 (located on 2nd floor) Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise office is independently owned and operated. © 2014 Home Instead, Inc.

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 33

authors among us

From passion to page to print, these local writers are making their mark in the publishing world.

Article Elizabeth Rosenberger | Photography McKenna Mathewson

S

itting down at the computer to stare at the cursor’s silent blink of welcome can be a joyous or daunting sight. For these three Lee’s Summit authors, the job (or gift, depending on the given day creative juices are flowing) of writing is not always easy but it is successful and rewarding. Although from diverse backgrounds, all three share one thing in common: they are living their dreams.

MAIJA RHEE DEVINE

Finalist in the 2013 USA Best Book Awards

(Fiction/Historical & Fiction/Multicultural) Maija Rhee Devine never wanted to write books despite the countless times her husband, Michael, tried to persuade her. But once she heeded the call, the words haven’t stopped. Unlike most authors who write in one genre, Devine has an eclectic style of writing. Her fiction short stories, creative non-fiction and poetry work have garnered her more than two dozen awards and recognitions from prestigious orga34 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

nizations. Her latest work and first novel, The Voices of Heaven, is cited as her best work to date. The Kirkus Review calls it “is a realistic sketch of a Korea that few Westerners have seen, achingly beautiful, complex love story that shouldn’t be missed.” Although this novel is a work of fiction, it required Devine to delve down deep into the hurts of her childhood as a Korean War survivor and a culture steeped in what Devine calls the ‘Son Preference Culture.’ The Voices Of Heaven takes readers through a bittersweet love story set in the backdrop of the Korean War where a society is cemented in Confucianism.

“One of the reasons I resisted writing so long was I didn’t want to re-live the anguish of a girl growing up in a male-child-favoring society,” Devine says.

To her surprise, the publication of her novel has kept her busy, but has allowed her to develop a platform to raise awareness on the Son Preference Culture, an issue she is passionate about.

“There is still a gender bias issue in South Korea,” she explains.

“There have been 30,000 babies aborted based on female gender

solely in 1994 alone and this patriarchal value has made an impact on Korean society.”

In 2013 Devine made 30 trips to seven states and to Seoul, South Korea, twice for presentations and readings. On April 11 she will be at The Writers Place for the Riverfront Reading at 7 p.m. and on May 20, she will appear at the Johnson County Central Resources Library in Overland Park at 7 p.m.

When Devine isn’t writing, she has a kiln to make her own pottery, enjoys organic gardening, oriental brush painting and of course, reading. Her next novel is about Korean comfort women who provided sexual services to Japanese soldiers during WWII. To contact Maija Rhee Devine for a speaking engagement, visit MaijaRheeDevine.com.

Denise Grover Swank

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

As a young girl, Denise would create elaborate daydreams in her head. By fourth grade she was taking those daydreams and drafting her first novel – 70 pages in a spiral notebook. It only makes sense that today she loves taking characters that feel like real people and putting them in their own story on a page.

“The story often plays like a movie in my head,” she adds. “I love when readers tell me they read my books that way.”

Born in Independence, Swank attended Blue Springs School District. After graduation she moved away, and as we all experience – life happens. She’s always written and tried to write several novels in her twenties but was never able to finish. She started a family blog several years ago and says that’s where she learned the art of storytelling. Not until 2009 did she decide to get serious about her passion.

“I heard about NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and decided it was either write and complete a book or give up on that dream,” Swank says.

After NaNoWriMo, Swank started a book titled Chosen, an urban fantasy/thriller. It became her biggest selling book. Since then, she has released 19 books in several genres—urban fantasy, contemporary romance, young adult science fiction, and her current most popular: romance mystery. The Rose Gardner Mystery series is her most popular series at the moment and has garnered three USA Today spots. Her books are urban fantasies or romantic comedy mysteries set in the South.

A widow with six children and three dogs, Swank moved to Lee’s Summit to be closer to family. Her husband was in a single engine plane crash in January of 2006. Her short memoir, The Death Of Me, details the painful events during that time.

In July 2011, Swank self-published her first book with a goal to sell 1,000 by December. She reached that within two months and

by December she had sold 26,000.

“What I didn’t count on were the benefits of the social media platform I’d been building for a couple of years,” she says. “By December I realized I could really make money while following my dream.”

In her down time, Swank travels and reads but admits she spends too much time on Netflix. “I love watching marathon sessions of old TV series.”

For more information about books and merchandise, visit DeniseGroverSwank.com.

Marchel Denise Alverson

Who’s Who in Black Kansas City-The Inaugural Edition by Real Times Media in 2012

A single mother of two (and a 2-year-old Maltipoo named Peaches), Marchel says books were her best friends when growing up. In high school, she wrote a poem called My Family Tree that was published in a national publication, garnering her a $50 savings bond.

“That’s all it took,” she exclaims. “I was hooked and began writing short stories and knew that I was destined to become the next Jackie Collins.”

Born and raised in Kansas City, she graduated from Center High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Central Missouri and a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

She published her first novel, Painted On Souls, in 2006 and her second book, Savor The Sweetness, in 2008. Her latest work, Kissed

By Madness, was released in August 2013 and chronicles the true complexities and high cost of domestic violence in the African American Community.

“Because I write primarily marketing and non-fiction materials in my career path, I write fiction almost as a type of creative escape from the norm,” Alverson says.

For Alverson, to write is to bear her soul on blank pages. Each new character she creates takes her to a place that she has never been before. She says good writing has a rhythm and if you listen to it, you can almost hear the beat.

Self-publishing has paved the way for Alverson although the market is flooded with authors choosing this path. As a self-proclaimed introvert, she admits it’s been a challenge to carve a niche while promoting her work.

“It’s the hardest part for me,” she says. “While I love it, you have to get your name out there almost daily and stand firm in your dream. I’m much more comfortable at home in front of my computer than I am in a crowd.”

Alverson believes everything in life happens for a reason and through that we learn valuable lessons along the way. For the future, she hopes to remain happy, healthy and continuing to make a successful living at doing what she loves.

“Writing is a gift that I cherish and I attempt to grow with each new project,” Alverson adds.

For more information about her books, visit MarchelAlverson. webs.com.

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 35

Leave a Book, Take a Book

Promoting literacy and community one Little Free Library at a time.

Article Lisa Allen | Photography Provided

O

ne movie that all three of my kids can agree on is “Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.” They even recite lines now and then, including the ubiquitous “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

36 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

That quote has now become our standard when we’re driving in a new part of town, though it goes more like this: ‘Little free libraries might be here, Mom! If you don’t stop driving so fast, we might miss them.’

Thousands of Little Free Libraries can be found throughout the United States as well as in places across the globe like Lithuania and Lebanon, Rome and Winnipeg and Sao Paulo and Dublin. As of this writing, there are more than 15,000 Little Free Libraries scattered across the world.

The original Little Free Library was built to resemble a one room schoolhouse. Todd Bol built it as a tribute to his mother, a former school teacher with a passion for reading. He adorned it with a sign that said ‘free books,’ mounted it on a post in his Hudson, Wisc., yard, and filled it with books.

He built more and gave them away, and then joined forces with Rick Brooks of Madison, Wisc. Together, they saw the potential to effect good through the giving and receiving of books. The non-profit

organization Little Free Library’s goals are twofold: to promote literacy and the love of reading for both children and adults through free book exchanges worldwide and to promote a sense of community.

What started in 2009 as a tribute to one mother has grown into an international movement that not only promotes the love of reading, but is also beginning to evolve into walking and biking tours and is, in some places, is influencing school curriculum as well as service and social media projects.

The Little Free Library concept is not unlike that of a traditional library, though the differences are significant. There is no need for a card, and there are no due dates or fines, and the selection of books is ever changing. Everyone is encouraged to leave a book or to take a book, and can return it or not, at his or her discretion.

Even more fun is that each Little Free Library can reflect its owner through its design. Many look like exaggerated bird-

build a distinctive container that mirrors their reasons behind joining the movement, and several are part of landscape vignettes that include gardens and benches.

The Metro area is home to about a dozen at last count but that number is always growing. Five girls of Girl Scout Troop 413 are building a Little Free Library at Ravenwood Elementary School in Olathe as

There is no need for a library card, and there are no due dates or fines, and the selection of books is ever changing. Everyone is encouraged to leave a book or to take a book, and can return it or not, at his or her discretion. houses, but others vary in shape, size and decoration. Some, like one near Summit Pointe Elementary in Lee’s Summit, is painted to look like an owl, thanks to local artist Dave Eames. Others in the Metro include an upcycled mailbox, painted periwinkle blue and decorated with painted yellow flowers.

Official Little Free Libraries are chartered with the non-profit Little Free Library and are included on a comprehensive online map. While there is a fee to obtain a charter, the planning and construction of each unit is left up to the discretion of the owner.

Kits are available for purchase, but many opt to use recycled or repurposed items to

a means of earning the coveted Bronze Award.

The Troop will mount the Little Free Library near the outdoor classroom, with the hope that it will encourage students and neighbors to nurture a love of reading through the summer months.

The Little Free Library at Rolling Ridge Elementary is a lasting reminder of the love for Marilyn Peterson. Peterson was a librarian at the school for more than 20 years, and her daughter, Kate Thompson, is a librarian at Olathe Northwest High School. When Peterson passed away, her family donated $500 to the school’s library.

Lesley Sheldon, also a librarian at Rolling Ridge, stumbled across an article about Little Free Libraries while contemplating how to memorialize Peterson in a meaningful and lasting way.

“The rest was history,” says Sheldon.

“We have been blessed with many donations and several of our families watch over the library on weekends and over extended breaks. It is such a special project.”

To learn more and to browse the official Little Free Library map, visit LittleFreeLibrary.org.

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 37

Course of

World-class golf and an incomparable natural setting in Nebraska make an intoxicating twosome.

Article Kimberly Winter Stern | Photography Provided

W

hen you’re a devoted golfer, weekends are strategically planned around the game and your passport is kept current for jaunts to far-flung courses rich in fabled golfing history.

You long for dewy spring mornings on well-manicured greens. Your guilty pleasure is watching hours of the Golf Channel when you can’t be on the course seeking your next thrill. You think the final round of the Masters should be declared a national holiday.

Friends don’t understand your obsession and many don’t appreciate that, for you, simply being in nature on a beautifully designed course sometimes trumps your golf game entirely.

So when you tell your friends about the world-class golf vacation you have booked this spring in Nebraska, you expect the blank stares.

World-class golf? Nebraska?

Setting out by car from Lee’s Summit, the GPS is programmed for Valentine, Nebras38 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

ka, an eight-hour drive. Destination is The Prairie Club, a jaw dropping, semi-private, award-winning golf resort perched on the rim of the Cornhusker State’s spectacular Snake River Canyon.

Remote? Absolutely—Valentine is the nearest town, and it’s 17 miles away. But that’s the innate beauty of The Prairie Club. It’s uncluttered and pristine, a place where you drop your bags, pick up your clubs, and golf away the hours.

Situated on more than 2,500 acres of Nebraska’s gently rolling Sand Hills is a golfer’s paradise that is serene and captivating with old-fashioned Midwest hospitality—all nestled in a sublime environment. Founded by Paul Schock, one of South Dakota’s best-known amateur golf champions, The Prairie Club combines his penchant for golf, the outdoors and conservation.

And the culture Schock has carefully developed with comfortable, unpretentious accommodations highlighted by concierge-style service, great food and soul-soothing golf is indeed a seamless experience.

The Prairie Club boasts three distinctive courses, in addition to a 16-acre practice facility and three putting greens.

The Dunes 18, designed by acclaimed golfer Tom Lehman and golf course architect Chris Brands, hugs undulating seas of tall prairie grasses punctuated by dramatic elevation changes and ends on lush, bentgrass greens. Echoing Great Britain’s link-style courses, The Dunes is an all-American golf encounter that presents challenges for players of all skill levels.

The Pines Course capitalizes on the sprawling property’s ancient Ponderosa Pines, where golfers play along the banks of

Just the Facts: The Prairie Club at a Glance Aside from packing your clubs, suitcase and a relaxed attitude, this is all you need to know about an unforgettable experience at The Prairie Club, a semi-private golf destination resort 17 miles north of Valentine, Nebraska.

Course Names: Dunes Course, Pines Course, Horse Course Average Annual Rainfall: 21 inches Predominant Winds: NW and S Total Property Size: 2,500 acres Highest Elevation: 2,690 feet Wildlife: Turkey, deer, antelope, upland birds and myriad songbirds Practice Facility: Dual-sided, 500 yard-long range (16 acres) and 3 putting greens Awards: Top 10 36-Hole Resort, Links Magazine, 2013; Best New Overnight Golf Destination, Golf Digest, 2010 Lodge: 40,000 square feet; 31 lodge rooms;

28 cabin rooms Dining Venues: Caprock Lounge and Bar (casual); Canyon Room (fine); Eagle’s Nest (member’s only, casual); Paver’s Patio (casual) Menu: Authentic, home-style Prairie-inspired cuisine On the Horizon: A fourth course, The Oldschool, will take advantage of its natural sand and canyon edge For more information, visit ThePrairieClub.com.

continued >

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 39

course of dreams

(continued)

the Snake River Canyon and across Ogallala, the world’s largest underwater aquifer. Master golf course architect Graham Marsh engineered The Pines—a championship course that provides protection from occasional prairie winds along with a stunning panorama of wide-open Nebraska sky.

The 10-hole, par-3 Horse Course borrows its name from basketball’s popular game. There are no tee boxes—rather, the player with honors calls the spot from which players hit their tee shots to begin play.

Following an invigorating day on the links, The Prairie Club offers three dining venues to retreat and relax in the 40,000-square-feet Prairie Club Lodge, including the casual Cap-

rock Lounge and Bar and Paver’s Patio and fine dining in the Canyon Room. Member’s-only Eagles Nest, on the second level of the lodge, features a full-service dining room, bar and lounge.

Chef Eric Miller prepares Midwest cuisine—think “meat and potatoes with a flair”—that emphasizes local meat, game and fish for each dining concept and mornings began with a sumptuous breakfast buffet.

Choose from rooms with a luxurious Western motif in The Lodge or four well-appointed Canyon Rim Cabins located only 100 yards from The Prairie Club Lodge. The Prairie Club’s thoroughly modern amenities are suited for weekend golfers, corporate meetings and family gatherings.

Days at The Prairie Club end with the rare opportunity to view an expansive, starlit sky, rivaling the pastoral settings of many better-known premier golf destinations.

World-class golf. Nebraska. You bet.

Kellogg first experienced The Prairie Club

road trip Dave Kellogg of Overland Park describes himself as an avid weekend golfer.

“If there’s no snow on the ground, you’ll find me playing throughout the year,” he says.

Kellogg’s favorite spots to swing a club—outside Kansas City—include Oregon’s Bandon Dunes and courses in the Phoenix area. But Kellogg is equally enamored with The Prairie Club in Nebraska’s Sand Hills and this fall will mark his fourth sojourn in as many years.

“I first read about it in a golf magazine, right before it opened,” he says. “And then I met some of the folks from The Prairie Club at an Overland Park golf show, which prompted me to book a trip.”

40 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

with his brother, an Atlanta resident, and two friends from South Dakota. According to Kellogg, the foursome spent an idyllic long weekend playing golf, enjoying well-executed cuisine and playing more golf.

“I love the fact that The Prairie Club is, quite literally, out in the middle of nowhere,” he says. “There are no distractions; you park your car, give your keys to the valet and focus on terrific golf in a unique setting.”

Kellogg’s subsequent trips to The Prairie Club were consistently five-star: food, lodging, golf, ambience and service.

“It’s everything a golfer would want and more, in an unexpected setting,” he says.

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1201 NE Winsor Dr, Lees Summit, Missouri 64086

Your Neighbor

The Long Road to Guatemala A lifetime of experience culminates in a calling to serve orphans for local businesswoman Article Kendra Mathewson | Photography Provided

F

awn Brents shows me a glitter-covered clay heart in a small box she brought back from a recent trip to Guatemala. Tucked beneath the hand-made heart, a note in a child’s writing says, “Te amo.” I love you.

There has been an exchange of hearts since Fawn first began visiting Casa de mi Padre, an orphanage in the remote village of Quiche. The one Fawn holds was a gift from 16-year-old Rocsana, who experienced abandonment and abuse before coming to Casa.

After connecting with Rocsana and Casa’s 20 other orphans, Fawn left a piece of her own heart in Guatemala.

Does her name sound familiar? A top real estate agent, her face and slogan, “Fawn Sells Homes,” were well known in the real estate boom. She now owns her own real estate company, Kansas City Real Estate, Inc. “People see me as a real estate broker,” she says. “I’m that, but not just that.” Fawn is also a wife, mother, grandmother, Bible study leader, published author and sought-after speaker. In addition, she is a board member for an international mission organization, Crossworld, and now, committed volunteer for Casa de Mi Padre.

It’s not something she planned or dreamed, but a couple years ago someone dear to her started an orphanage there. Once Fawn visited, she wanted to help. Casa founder Shane Sanderson was in her husband Charlie’s Sunday school class as a kid and they’ve supported him ever since; Shane’s whole life has been devoted to youth and ministry.

42 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

“When children come to Casa, destitute and broken in the middle of the night, they are brought there by court order. But in reality, it’s God who has brought them,” she says. For these children, Casa becomes home and family. “The kids call Shane, ‘Papa.’ He truly has a father’s heart.”

The trip to Guatemala usually entails a 5-hour flight with a possible stopover in Houston. But Fawn’s route has been more roundabout and a lot longer—about 40 years in the making. Standing at this point in her journey, she can look back and clearly see God’s hand in her life, and every experience uniquely prepared her to serve the children in Guatemala: Early missionary work and language study.

In the early 1970s, the newly married couple learned two languages, Spanish and Quechua. They spent 4 years as missionaries to the Quechua Indians of Ecuador while Charlie worked on a rough draft of the Old Testament in that language.

Their Spanish fluency has returned easily and is useful in connecting with the kids and others for the orphanage.

“When I go to Guatemala, this is what I do. I hold children. I hear their stories,” says Fawn, pictured here with Brenda.

Real estate expertise and success.

Fawn attained the rare designation, Certified International Property Specialist, and helps another global mission organization, Crossworld. Combined with her business acumen, these experiences and education specially equip her to help overseas ministries. “On my last trip to Guatemala, I met with a real estate broker, and we talked about what is required for foreign entities to own land in Guatemala.”

A lifetime of trusting God.

“For most of my life I’ve been starting my day by opening my Bible, and attempting to walk out what I read,” Fawn says.

It was her first visit to Casa when she realized she needed every bit of her background to help Sanderson serve the orphans. Being involved with these children gives added meaning to her life; real estate and business alone are not enough to drive her.

“If Casa were just a place where kids came only to have physical needs met, I wouldn’t be as excited,” Fawn says. “With the help of those who donate, Shane provides food and clothing. But he gives them so much more. He gives them hope for the future and spiritual direction.”

She is eager to take others to Casa to discover their own purpose and meaning.

“Life can take some interesting turns,” she says. “All of your experiences are important. Nothing is for nothing. God uses everything. His plan for your life is bigger, deeper and has more meaning than you can imagine.”

Casa de mi Padre Orphanage (House of My Father) Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala Mission: To provide refuge and shelter for impoverished, aban-

doned and orphaned children in a home where they experience the love of a family. Shane tells the children: “These walls around the house and yard are not to keep you in; they are to keep people out – all the people who have hurt or damaged you. This is a place to heal and become whole.” It is a place where children experience a lavish God who loves, protects and restores.

How can you help?

Plan a trip in 2015 with Fawn Sponsor a child ($30/month) Donate once, or monthly, to help with house expenses More information:

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Family Feature

Deep Roots Area family steps up for their neighbors and community in Lake Winnebago

A

Article Christopher Clark | Photography McKenna Mathewson

s the mom in a busy family, Alicia Holecek knows it all goes too fast. Kids grow up. They get ready for college. And suddenly, you’re left wondering where the time went.

“You want your children to move on to adulthood,” says Holecek, a married mother of two. “But you also want to hold on to those times with everyone living under the same roof.”

That might explain why Mark, Alicia, Matt and Morgan Holecek of Lake Winnebago seem bent on packing as much fun, civic duty and volunteerism as they can into their days.

Mark Holecek is a manager for the federal Department of Energy in Kansas City, while Alicia is executive director of the Lake Winnebago homeowners association. Son Matt is a senior working toward his International Baccalaureate diploma at Lee’s Summit West High School and mulling where to attend college.

Daughter Morgan is a sophomore at Lee’s Summit West where her Westside Girls Dance Team recently won the Missouri Class 5A title in February.

44 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Mark, a first-generation American whose parents immigrated to the United States in 1968 from Prague, met Alicia as the two were sophomores at the University of Pittsburgh. Mark’s job took him to Kansas City, and they eventually landed in Lake Winnebago. Their children may attend Lee’s Summit schools, but it’s the lakeside community where the family has established its deepest roots through a mix of public and civic work.

Mark was an alderman for the city from 2002-2009, and Alicia’s job with the HOA keeps the family connected to their neighbors. The couple has been a fixture at Lake Cleanup Days, where they join other residents in removing trash and debris from the lake and its shorelines.

They’re particularly proud of Freezin’ for a Reason, an annual New Year’s Day event started eight years ago by residents who wanted to raise money to help a Lake Winnebago family dealing with a rare, life-threatening bone marrow disease called Schwachman-Diamond Syndrome. For the past five years, the Holeceks

have participated in the event -- braving cold weather to ski and raise money and awareness for this family.

“It is a time to come together as a community, support a family in need, and count our own blessings,” says Alicia.

This year, Alicia is president of the Alpha Beta chapter of Beta Sigma Phi in Lake Winnebago, a group of women who come together to find ways to give back to the community. The group spent the past year supporting Coldwater in Lee’s Summit, a faith-based nonprofit that helps provide food and clothing to the less fortunate.

But occasionally the Holeceks find time for themselves. They can often be found on the water, naturally, waterskiing, wakeboarding and pontooning. But even their love of the water carries some community spirit: Alicia has coordinated Learn to Ski Nights, offering kids and adults the chance to learn to waterski and wakeboard.

“There is an incredible sense of pride to see the joy in a kid’s face when they get to experience flying across the water!”

The Holeceks are celebrating 20 years of being in the Lee’s Summit area, and Alicia says there are parallels in how the city and her family have grown.

“When we first arrived, the amenities of Lee’s Summit were few, which was good for us since we didn’t have a lot of disposable income!” she says. “But, as our family and careers grew, so have the opportunities within Lee’s Summit. From parks to unique stores to restaurants to big-name shopping to first-rate schools, this area boasts an incredible community in which to raise a family.”

So to other families, she offers this advice: “Really enjoy the moment, even the hard, hectic times, and to be cognizant of family traditions,” Alicia says. “I have made an effort to create traditions for my family—sometimes as simple as taking a first-day-of-school picture, sometimes more complicated rituals around a specific holiday, sometimes an annual community event. Those are memories that both the parents and the kids can hold on to!”

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Giving Back

Granting Dreams, One Dress at a Time The Prom Boutique offers gowns and accessories to make prom hopes a reality for local girls Article Katherine Bontrager | Photography Provided

A

s a caseworker for the state of Missouri, Sonia Clogston watched as dozens of girls in foster care shuffled through her office, many aching to attend their schools’ proms but unable to do so. After all, prom is one of those major milestones, and it’s become the stuff of legend with the help of Hollywood and countless teen movies. Yet for these girls, the big dance remained just that—an unattainable dream—thanks to the sheer expense of being outfitted for the night.

So in 1998, Clogston began collecting used dresses, offering the girls the chance to shop in her “Prom Boutique” and attend their school formals. Before long, the dresses were overflowing her cramped office. So in 2005, Clogston partnered with Woods Chapel United Methodist Church in Lee’s Summit, allowing the Prom Boutique to grow exponentially.

Sadly, Clogston passed away in 2011, but the Boutique continues in her honor thanks to the hard work of volunteers at Woods Chapel United Methodist. Since 2005, 4,433 dresses have been provided to area teens and another 2,964 have been donated to other non-profits.

The Boutique, held for a few days every March or April, is open to any local teenager. “Our policy is to ask just two questions,” explains Fern Truschke Stuart, the 2014 Boutique Chair. “We ask what school she attends and how she heard about the Boutique. We don’t require any kind of identification or proof of income. If they come to the Boutique, they get to pick out a dress and accessories, no questions asked.”

The dresses are sorted by size—from 0 to 32—and girls are able to try them on in private dressing areas and choose the perfect gown.

A team of skilled seamstresses ensures that each dress fits its new owner just right and then each item is steamed and bagged before going home.

Stuart has countless stories of lives touched by the simple joy of a beautiful dress. “We had a mom who got special permission from 46 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

hospice to accompany her daughter to the Boutique and see her try on dresses. We had a bus driver for one of the high-school groups tell us that he’d been driving these girls for years and that “this is the first time I’ve seen some of them smile.” There was even a 90-year-young woman who picked out a dress to go to her ‘senior’ prom. She wasn’t

able to go to her high-school prom 72 years ago, and it was on her bucket list. Her caregivers and our Boutique helped make her dream come true.”

A social worker was so moved, she wrote the Boutique to say, “I was especially touched and blessed to see the way the volunteers treated each girl with such attention and respect...it’s so much more than a dress; it’s Christ’s love shown through your generous spirits. The seeds you planted through your service will make an eternal difference in some lives, I believe!”

But as much joy as the girls get, volunteers also love helping students say yes to the dress.

Laurie Miller, owner of Miller Dry Cleaners in Lee’s Summit, has been supporting and promoting the Prom Boutique for three years.

“When the girls and their parents and grandparents see the hot pink flyers that say the dresses are free, they get so excited and relieved,” Miller says. “Then when they see the collection of dresses and accessories that are available, they’re so thrilled. It’s exciting to see this organization collect so many dresses and distribute them so well and help so many families.”

And the outreach has expanded beyond just dresses, says Toni Tygart, a longtime volunteer. “The Boutique now includes accesso-

ries, shoes, make-up, earrings, purses, anything that has anything to do with a prom. And in 2014 it will offer tuxedoes! Some of the woman travel all over Kansas City to pick up donated dresses. It’s absolutely incredible.”

Another change this year is that, for one day only, Woods Chapel is working with Central United Methodist Church in the heart of Kansas City at 52nd and Oak to offer a mini-boutique to girls who can’t make the trek to Lee’s Summit.

The Prom Boutique spends a scant $2,000 a year, mainly on purchasing larger dresses (size 16 and up) from area thrift stories. “These sizes are always in short supply, so we have a shopping team dedicated to finding these dresses,” says Stuart. “Our goal is to make sure every single girl has a selection of dresses to choose from, no matter her size.”

To that end, Stuart encourages everyone to do a bit of spring-cleaning and make a teen’s prom dreams a reality by donating dresses, tuxedoes or accessories. Items can be dropped off anytime Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Woods Chapel United Methodist at 4725 NE Lakewood Way. Tax receipts are available, and there are absolutely no requirements for donations—the Boutique uses every dress in some capacity.

ka ns a s cIt y trI al l aW y ers f or 3 0 yea rs

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Parent's Corner

How to Ensure You Get the Best Letters of Recommendation from Your School Article Rebecca Murphy

W

hether it’s to apply for admittance into a valued college, verify candidacy for an Eagle Scout Award, try to achieve placement into a specialized program or camp, or attempt to secure a needed scholarship, many students will find themselves necessitating a letter of recommendation from teachers or administrators at their school. Most school officials operate on very tight schedules. Teachers often rely on one period per day to plan, grade and meet required routine functions in their jobs. Administrators and counselors oversee hundreds of students in the building. It is crucial to approach this request with the attitude that it is a privilege to have them allocate an hour - at minimum - exclusively focused to help you achieve your desired goal.

Think carefully about the appropriate person to write a recommendation for you. You should be mindful of who can best endorse the characteristics required to achieve the position you seek. If you’re applying to a science and math camp, your history teacher probably wouldn’t be able to construct a snapshot demonstrating your lab capabilities. Think about the perception you have portrayed to the potential letter writer before you seek their assistance. A teacher will be baffled if you want them to construct a letter and they’ve ask you to put your phone away

three times per class period for the entire year. School personnel will be inclined to create letters that authenticate their actual experiences with you. Most educational affiliates won’t complete a letter unless you sign away your rights to read it and those confidential testimonials will be considered the most valid letters by organizations receiving them.

All requests for letters of recommendation should be initiated by the student rather than a parent. It is most impressive for the student to approach the task with regard to it being a personal goal. Self-initiation, attention to detail in providing the writer with the needed information to do the letter construction efficiently, and demonstrating a plan with respect to deadlines will be impressive to the person you ask to write the letter. It is the writer’s job to bring you to life on paper for consideration of desired opportunities. Help them help you by taking the time to develop a broader sense of who you are before the letter is written. Those steps alone will add to the value of what can be conveyed about you.

It is important to give your recommender the appropriate amount of time to work you into their schedule. While some people require a month lead time, most will need at least two weeks to continued >

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Parent's Corner

(continued)

find the time necessary to complete all the tasks that accompany the recommendation process. Students accustomed to informal texting and short emails often are unaware of the attention to detail it takes to write a formal letter. It is critical to determine what information your recommender requires before they begin to write. Your GPA doesn’t provide enough information to give a thorough snapshot of your strengths and reinforcement of the characteristics that will need to be conveyed to maximize attainment of the opportunity the letter is intended to secure. To efficiently construct a letter, students will often be asked to submit a resume, complete a questionnaire, or meet with the author for a quick interview. The best letters are constructed when the writer has documentation from the organization where the recommendation will be received and knows precisely what they are trying to help you accomplish.

Students accustomed to the benefits of technology often assume that recommendations require a few clicks, a little cut and paste, and a quick submission. Technology can provide challenges in the application and recommendation process. Platforms may only interface with certain internet browsers, difficulty with submission can occur during last minute deadlines, and sites can crash. It is important to make sure students understand the importance of deadlines and the necessity to be provided with time to compensate for tech glitches.

Take the time to sincerely thank the person who has completed your recommendation. Be mindful of the fact that they have put aside their normal responsibilities in favor of making an investment in you and your future. Keep the recommender informed of the status of the application. If someone genuinely invests in helping you obtain a candidacy, let them know if you are accepted, endorsed, or obtain a scholarship. If you have developed the relationship with your endorser that is necessary to get a quality letter they deserve to share in your celebration of success. Leaving them out of the end result creates the appearance that they are being used.

Taking the above points into consideration, the recommendation process can be positive for everyone involved. Make sure students understand the importance of maintaining good character, demonstrating they can work well with both students and staff, becoming active outside the classroom, and finding opportunities to develop their leadership skills. With proper planning and execution, you will receive a complementary letter highlighting you as a whole person that will enhance your chances of reaching your goals!

Rebecca Murphy is a 30-year educator in the Shawnee Mission School District and currently serves as the coordinator of the International Baccalaureate program at Shawnee Mission East.

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Healthy Lifestyle

Lee’s Summit: a Regional Health & Wellness Community Article James McKenna

W

hen it comes to healthcare, we’re not willing to short change our lives or the lives of our loved ones. As I look through the latest healthcare research findings, regarding the consumer health mindset, I can’t help but think of the great opportunity Lee’s Summit’s exceptional healthcare businesses have to seize the higher ground during this time of uncertainty, when confusion and ciaos dominates the healthcare industry.

Let’s face it; people are not going to just cross their fingers and hope that they or their family members won’t get sick. Unfortunately, in the real world people get sick and accidents happen. And let’s not forget, we are an aging generation. People continue to grow older and as they do their bodies, like a vintage automobile, require a little more attention and upkeep.

We’re extremely fortunate to live in a community of more than 750 healthcare providers covering 60 diverse health and wellness categories including: • Medical Centers • Hospitals • Physician Practices • Imaging • Laboratories • Nursing Services • Home Health Care • Surgical Centers 54 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

• Senior Living • Dental • Mental Health/Counseling • And much more.

Now would be a great time to effectively communicate the concept of Lee’s Summit being a Regional Healthcare & Wellness Community. Our unified healthcare promise, which we can most definitely deliver on is….For individuals and families looking to improve their healthcare options and outcome possibilities, Lee’s Summit is the regional home to world-class professionals, dedicated to taking the lead when it comes to cutting-edge research as well as comprehensive and innovative treatment therapies. As a premier re-

gional health and wellness center, we’re dedicated to providing an environment of compassionate patient care, surrounded by the invaluable support of their family, friends and loved ones.

Our messaging needs to effectively engage our audience while propelling Lee’s Summit to top-of-mind status when it comes to being a breakout community of health and wellness.

In the words of the World Health Organization; “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”

Thankfully, it’s all right here in Lee’s Summit.

k y l e ba r r e t t Kyle Barrett, a senior and third year debater at lee’s Summit North, competes in public forum debate and international extemporaneous speaking. He and his partner have placed at nearly every tournament they have attended this year. Kyle hopes to qualify for the National Debate tournament in public forum debate, and place in the top 30 teams in the nation. Next year, he will attend the University of Missouri and study pre-law.

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Home Matters

Gardening for the Five Senses Article Woodrow D. Weasel

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e all garden for different reasons. Gardening for our senses is one unique approach. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate such an approach.

They come in a variety of vivid, bright colors and their blooms open and close when pinched at the “jaw.”

Taste

Sight

Gardens can be beautiful visual art, and using some ideas from the art world can really enhance yours. One great tool is the color wheel, available at any craft store. To create a bold, dramatic effect, try planting in complementary colors. These are any colors opposite each other on the wheel. Take the color wheel with you when you go to choose your plants. For example, when choosing annuals, select a flower color you like then locate the opposite color on the wheel and find other florae in that hue. Or try an analogous color scheme—a cluster of three adjacent colors on the wheel.

Sound

With the hustle and bustle of our lives, silence can be a beautiful sound. Simply sitting in the quiet of a garden can be music to our ears.

If you want to add the twinkling tones of nature’s songbirds, attract birds by providing consistent food, water and cover. A simple, shallow (no more than 3” deep) bird bath is a great way to furnish water.

Delicate wind chimes or a bubbling fountain are alternative ways to add a special sound to your blossoming garden space.

Touch

As you plan for the sense of touch, think “petting zoo for plants” and ask yourself if the texture of the plant is interesting and durable. One of the most delightful plants to feel is Lambs’ Ear. Its large leaves are densely covered in silky, white hairs and feel like velvet.

Snapdragons are another playful flower that is amazing to touch.

56 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

It can be a joyful experience to pluck something off a plant and eat it in nature. Berries are a sweet favorite, though they require a lot of sun and can take years to establish. In the meantime, there are so many types of mint that are fun to eat. Planting several different kinds and then taste-testing them is a treat. Many types of flowers are also edible, such as marigold, nasturtiums, pansies and peonies.

Be careful, though, because not every flower is edible.

Smell

There’s nothing like the surprise of encountering a beautiful scent as you walk through a garden. It’s fun to try to identify where it’s coming from. Honeysuckle and lilac are two of nature’s most permeating scents. Honeysuckle has wonderful sweet smell, and it flourishes in sunny areas with a rock wall, trellis or fence to grow on. It also attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees so vital to all botanical life. Lilac is also a pleasant smell, and comes in many varieties. The Korean Dwarf Lilac is an easy-to-maintain tree-like bush in the shape of a popsicle. The skinny trunk is topped by a puff of greenery with clusters of powerfully-smelling lavender blooms in the spring.

No matter what type of garden you grow, consider your senses as you plan and plant! It makes sense!

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When it comes to teens and alcohol, consistency is the golden rule.

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Setting rules—and sticking to them— can help prevent underage drinking.

Our high-schoolers have a lot of milestones ahead of them: prom, graduation and college. At times, it may be tempting to relax the rules and let them celebrate with alcohol. But according to experts, that’s a big mistake. We’ve spent a lot of time teaching them to respect the rules, and if we start to make exceptions, we may send the signal that underage drinking is a “grey area.” More than ever, this is the time to maintain consistency; special events don’t call for special rules. To learn more, join us on Facebook and download our free Parent Guide.

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any of us go to great efforts to limit our exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals in our everyday lives.

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These eco-chic tempered glass food storage containers are made from 100 percent recyclable glass and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are five times stronger than regular glass and are shatterproof if dropped. Unlike harmful plastic containers which can become stained or lose their shape, they do not omit toxins that leach onto food. Storing food in glass means your foods will be safe from BPA, phthalates and toxins, unlike when using plastic containers. They are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe and the snap and lock lids are leak proof.

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Star Students

Students from Lee’s Summit High School

Students from Lee’s Summit North High School

Youth Advisory Council “School of Philanthropy” Article Sheri Wills Thompson | Photography mckenna mathewson

I

t started with a phone call 15 years ago. Barbara Potts, then Board Chair at the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, called Henri Goettel to ask her to gather youth in the area into what would be known as the Youth Advisory Council (YAC). These students would have a voice for change in their communities, and would work with the Foundation to allocate monies in response to grant requests that dealt specifically with the needs children and youth. Goettel began with 14 students from five area high schools.

Today, Goettel still works as the coordinator of the YAC which encompasses 6 school districts, 13 high schools and includes approximately 150 students a year. Nicknamed the “School of Philanthropy” by current Truman Foundation President and CEO Phil Hanson, students in YAC learn how to research and respond to the grant requests given to the Foundation which deal 58 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

specifically with minors. Teams of students take each request through a process which includes visiting each site, interviewing grant writers and directors from requesting agencies, garnering support from the Youth Council as a whole, and presenting their findings to the Foundation’s Grants Committee. Working within a budget of $265,000, students on the YAC are given real-life opportunities to make positive changes in the communities in which they live.

Students in Lee’s Summit can apply to join the YAC beginning in their second semester of their freshman year of high school.

Each school has their own team, a faculty sponsor and meets once a month. Goettel attends all of these meetings working closely with the youth. Her working notebook contains their names, but she can tell you by heart which students are from each school and how they are doing with their work on the Council.

Students are asked to make a formal commitment to YAC each mit West. “I believe that YAC is good for Lee’s Summit because April and may stay on the Council throughout high school. Since it provides money for organizations, but it is also good for the each school team wants to be strong, older students must work to students. We are able to learn more about our community and know their younger classmates in order to recruit those who will become more involved.” follow in their steps. They also have to assess their own group’s Youth gain real-life skills through their time on the Council. strengths and weakGoettel gets excited to nesses and then seek to see them grow in coninclude new members fidence as they learn with needed skills to more about the needs of be a part of their team. those in their own comStudents need to reason munity, fight for their well, research thoroughcause before adults, and ly, communicate clearly, even manage their time —Greta Roe, Lee’s Summit West and ask good questions and energy between the of grant requesters.

Council, school, and exThey need to be active tracurricular activities. in their schools, but also “You see people in your have enough time and own community who organizational skills to need help. It’s touching complete Council work. and makes you want to Along with the Founhelp in any way you can. dation budget, students We did a site visit for also have the experiCASA, and it helped us ence of working with understand what CASA an endowment fund does. A few months later, created by members of we were able to help with YAC which has grown their carnival and have to $43,000 since 2001. done so for three years,” Student teams follow a says Lee’s Summit High formula to award grants School student Sidney to programs which have Mason. already received partial The Truman Foundafunding from the Fountion Board hopes that dation. The YAC also the students who parcontribute to this enticipate in YAC will feel Students from Lee’s Summit West High School invested in their “home dowment with earnings from their yearly gala. town,” and that they will Students plan and execute events such as a night of bowling, mov- return to Eastern Jackson County as adults in business, and as ies, games and fun at a local bowling alley. Foundation members homeowners and parents interested in sharing their time and taland friends sponsor the event and students sell tickets to their ents to benefit the next generation. peers, so all of the proceeds can go into the endowment fund.

Brandon Landaverry, sophomore at Lee’s Summit North, says Goettel says the goal of the Foundation is that through the Youth that his experience with YAC will help him as he decides to doAdvisory Council, students will: nate money in the future. His work on the Council has led to his • Better the lives of children/ youth in Eastern Jackson County volunteering with Coldwater Ministries food pantry and involv• Develop skills needed to be effective leaders and teammates ing his family in their mission as well.

• Broaden their perspective regarding the resources/challenges It sounds like the “School of Philanthropy” is indeed making of their own community a difference!

“I have learned a lot from YAC, not only about my community but how to lead as well.”

“I have learned a lot from YAC, not only about my community but how to lead as well,” says Greta Roe, a student at Lee’s Sum-

For more information about the Youth Advisory Council, check out THCF.org (Truman Heartland Community Foundation).

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 59

Real Wives

Meet Your Neighbor,

Maria Dempsey real wives of lee’s summit

Who/what lives in your house?

My husband (Herb) and our four children (Dominic 16, Michael 14, Charlie 13 and Alyssa 10). It’s a fraternity but we love it.

Do you work outside the home? If so, where?

I work out of my home for Q2O LLC in Lees Summit.

Are you a native Kansas Citian or transplanted to the area?

Born and raised in Kansas City. Since I’m from an Italian background there is really no choice but to live in Kansas City.

What’s on the floor of your car right now?

A large Costco box of Cheese-its.

What is your favorite ‘pamper yourself’ or splurge item?

New clothes What is your guiltiest food pleasure?

Veal cannelloni from V’s Restaurant What is the title of a book on your bedside table?

The Secret How would your best friend describe you?

I think all of my close friends would say I love to live life, to have fun and stay positive.

Where was your best vacation ever?

Skiing in Colorado with family and friends What is your favorite date night restaurant?

Michael Forbes 60 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

What is the best thing about living in Lee’s Summit?

The people. We have a great representation of well-rounded, big hearted and very successful people amongst us. You see this in our kids at schools, businesses and neighbors.

What is your favorite cocktail?

Crown Royal and water on ice fixed by my bartender, Rita Where do you wish your husband would buy your next gift?

Gifts are overrated; I’d rather spend time together.

What is your favorite sports team?

Mizzou Tigers Share a unique or interesting fact about yourself or your college years?

My parents would not let me go away to college because they feared I would never come back to Kansas City. So I attended just about every Kansas and Missouri college over 10 years to complete my degrees. And I love cigars!

As a local entrepreneur, what do you think it takes to be a successful entrepreneur?

An Obsessive Compulsive Disorder personality. You do not take an idea through the life cycle of a product overnight then instantly become successful. Searching for answers, selecting the right companies to do business and finding capital is hard. Sometimes you lose friends along the way because you spend so much time working.

Most people would love to invent something or challenge themselves very few have the drive to see it through.

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www.WoodsChapelChurch.org April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 61

Artist’s Palette

The Art of Michael Boggess

Where did you study?

My art studies began in Denver, Col., under Lloyd Thorsten. He was an artist who educated students in the fundamentals of painting; classes were conducted in the backroom of his gallery.

Thorsten’s teaching method was to paint from photographs and after three years I knew it was time to learn to paint from life to really understand the mechanics of painting. I decided to move my studies to the Art Students League of Denver.

There I was fortunate to meet nationally known artists, Ramon Kelley and David Leffel. The League was a place where I could work alongside other artists. The chance to paint models from life was most inspiring. After three years at the Art Students League of Denver I felt what I needed was a prolonged period of painting and intense personal study, during which I would paint every day for as many hours as possible. Before I knew it another five years had passed. Then it was time to approach galleries. Over the past 30 years I have shown in Taos, Denver, Memphis and Colorado Springs, which is where I grew up.

62 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Describe your art:

My art is Representational, with a painterly style, though recently I have begun to paint in a more Impressionist style. My still life paintings are painted in what is known as chiaroscuro style, which simply means light and shadow. A lot of the Dutch masters painted in this style: Vermeer, Rembrandt, Sargent, etc. I am inspired by the way light affects things, late afternoon sun, that first hour of daylight often referred to as magic time for light. It might be a child playing in a park or a window full of flowers. I have been asked, “Don’t you run out of ideas?” The answer to that is simply, “no.”

Where can people see your work?

I have chosen to advance with technology and market my work online at ArtOfMichaelBoggess.com. I offer works in original oils, giclee prints and digital art. In the future I will be exhibiting my work in Lee’s Summit, where I currently live. I moved to the Kansas City area from Colorado Springs at the urging of friends. The Kansas City area is a lot like Denver in its architecture and the general mood of the city. I see myself staying in Lee’s Summit for a long time to come.

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This sweet girl Freesia seems to always have a smile on her face - a true peek into her happy, fun-loving soul. At just two years old, this Pit Bull mix still has the energy of a puppy but is housetrained and well-mannered. She has been patiently waiting for the right family since July, 2013 when she first came to our Independence campus after being found as a stray. She will be quick to connect with and pour love onto her new family, which will be clearly demonstrated by her big smile and wiggly backside. She is sometimes nervous around new people, but with a little training and care she can build up her confidence. Freesia is a staff and volunteer favorite but is ready to be a family favorite. Maybe you could be her hero, or you can be an advocate for her and share her photo on your Facebook page, an easy way to help any of our pets.

Some exciting things are happening this season at Great Plains SPCA. We recently announced our 2014 Young Heroes for Pets Summer Camp dates for June and July, but spaces are filling up quickly so don’t delay. Are you looking for some fun outdoor exercise opportunities? Come to our shelters and walk our dogs.

You’ll get a unique workout while enriching these dogs’ lives.

They’re sure to reward you in kisses. Learn more about all of our programs at GreatPlainsSPCA.org.

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Tech Today

Technology Provides Individual Experience in a Hectic World T

he advancements in technology, including devices such as smartphones and tablets, offer users a customized experience based on their own preferences and taste. Today’s technology provides us with a world of information and entertainment options to make life easier.

It’s no secret that devices such as smartphones and tablets are useful little devices. In fact, a recent study shows that about onethird of all U.S. households now own a tablet, and this number is expected to climb. Some products put these advancements to use by offering personalized experiences for the user. One such product, PressReader, provides people with access to thousands of the world’s best-loved newspapers and magazines on their computers, smartphones, tablets and e-readers. But beyond the news, these special innovations can also greatly improve options for other things, such as enhanced entertainment options.

Entertainment on your time

New features on devices make pulling up a favorite album or checking out the latest comedy movie a breeze. For those looking to expand their musical knowledge or just enjoy their favorite artists, the Spotify app allows users free access to millions of songs.

Plus, this app allows you to build your own collection of playlists so you have tunes to fit any occasion. If you’re looking to catch up on a hit television series or new movie, the Netflix app allows users to pick from thousands of titles with the touch of a button. If you enjoy watching the latest viral videos, the YouTube app allows 66 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

you to catch them all. The app also provides recommendations based on previously watched videos, a voice search option and the ability to share videos using your favorite social media platforms.

The best part about all of these apps is the ability to use them at any time you desire, all from your device.

Hand-picked news

Personal devices make receiving news easier than ever before.

Now users can customize exactly the kind of news they want, where they get it and how they receive it. Long before smartphones and tablets, people relied only on print newspaper as their primary source for information. With the advent of apps like PressReader, people can pick from over 2,000 publications. It’s a portable digital newsstand that offers the convenience of offline and online reading anytime, anywhere. This app makes it easy for business travelers to catch up with their favorite hometown publication while they’re thousands of miles from home. Business owners in the hospitality, retail and transportation industries can also use this service as an added perk to offer to guests during their stay and has been an effective way for businesses to maintain their competitive advantage.

For more information, visit PressReader.com.

Thanks to technology, our lives are easier and more convenient with faster access to information and customized content. With aggregated services like PressReader, Spotify, and NetFlix, you only need one platform to get everything you need. In a hectic world, these handy tools can make lives a little less stressful.

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Driver's Notebook

Tesla’s All-Electric Model S Rewrites the Rules Article and Photography Tom Strongman

W

alk up to the all-electric Tesla Model S, and the beautifully sculpted flush door handles glide silently out to greet you.

The handles, themselves a work of art, are an invitation to a driving experience that is silent, sophisticated and addictive.

I was fortunate to be able to sample the experience through the generosity of a local Tesla owner who let me drive his car, the most powerful P85 performance model. The first thing you notice is how beautiful the car is. The four-door has a coupelike profile with muscular flanks and a purposeful stance. Its lines are fluid and smooth, much like the power delivery of its AC induction electric motor.

The second thing is the bank-vault quiet and the incredible acceleration of the P85. It launches from a stop like a Porsche Turbo (minus the noise), pinning you back in the seat like a jet plane on takeoff. Zero to 60 miles per hour comes in 4.2 seconds. Top track 68 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

speed is 133 mph.

Consumer Reports called the Model S “a nearly perfect car,” the best it has ever tested. MOTOR TREND magazine awarded it the 2013 Car of the Year and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it a five-star crash rating. It is built in Tesla’s plant in Fremont, Calif.

With top-quality materials and fit and finish equal to or better than a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7-series, the Model S has a hard-to-describe but easy-to-feel sense of heft and road presence.

The low center of gravity (because the litium-ion battery pack is under the floor), instantaneous torque from the electric motor and lack of noise make it feel as if you are flying a magic carpet. The more you drive, the more you want to drive.

Regenerative braking recharges the battery as the car slows and it is strong enough that letting up on the the throttle is usually enough to bring the car to a stop with very little brake application.

Range anxiety, so common in electric cars, is rarely an issue with the Model S unless you have a long trip in mind. The 60 kWh battery has a range of 208 miles, and the 85 kWh battery has a range of 265 miles. Range depends on how you drive. The acceleration is enthralling but if you mash the throttle a lot the range will be shortened considerably. Drive reasonably and you should be able to get close to the EPA-certified range target.

Charging can be done with a 110-volt outlet, but that takes a long

time. Buyers will want to install a 240-volt outlet at their home.

The car can be equipped with a 40-amp charger or an 80-amp charger that is twice as fast. To facillitate long-distance travel, Tesla is installing Superchargers along well-travelled highways in North America and Europe. These proprietary stations will provide a half charge in 20 minutes.

The Model S was designed by Franz von Holzhausen, formerly the director of design for Mazda’s North American Design Center and before that, a design director at General Motors responsible for the Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky and Opel GT. A similarly beautiful Model X utility model will be available in 2014, and reservations are now being taken.

When you slip into the cabin, you’re greeted by an iPad-like flat screen in the center of the instrument panel that is almost as big as a 17-inch laptop. Most all of the car’s functions can be controlled from this screen, and it can also display a full-screen navigation map.

The Model S is a hatchback with room for five passengers. Cargo space is quite large with the seats folded. Two small rear-facing seats for kids are optional. The front trunk, where an engine would normally reside, is quite spacious.

Aside from tires, brake pads and windshield wipers, there is not much to wear out. The company says routine software updates handle most issues, and the car monitors itself. The company reccontinued >

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Driver's Notebook

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(continued)

ommends service every year or every 12,500 miles. The owner can take the car to a service center or for $100 Tesla will send a technician to the car. Tesla is planning valet service that will pick up a customer’s car and leave a loaner in its place. Currently, the closest service center is in St. Louis but one is planned for Kansas City.

There are three Model S versions, available online with a fully refundable deposit. The model with a 60 kWh battery has a range of 208 miles, hits 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds and has a base price of $63,570. The 85 kWh battery has a range of 265 miles, hits 60 in 5.4 seconds and has a base price of $73,570. The Performance 85 kWh hits 60 in 4.2 seconds and has a base price of $83,570. Max out the P85 with all options and the price can be $122,020. All base prices quoted are after a federal tax rebate of $7,500 that you receive when you file your income taxes. Installation of a home charging unit is additional.

Price: The base price of the P85 that I drove was $94,900. The tech package was an additional $3,750, personal delivery was $990 and final inspection, prep and coordination was $180. The as-driven price was $99,820.

Warranty: Four years or 50,000 miles.

The 60 kWh battery has an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty and the 85 kWh battery has an eight-year, unlimited-mile warranty.

You can contact Tom Strongman at tom@tomstrongman.com.

Tesla Model S P85 Motor: 85kWh, 416-horsepower, AC induction motor Transmission: One-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive Wheelbase: 116.5 inches Curb weight: 4,647 pounds Base price: $94,900 As driven: $99,820 MPG equivalent: 88 in the city, 90 on the highway

Healthy Lifestyle

Five Days to a Fitter, Healthier You If kicking off a life-changing fitness and nutrition program seems daunting, try taking smaller steps to make it feel more manageable

K

nowing just where to start can be the biggest hurdle, but once you’re on your way, you’ll find yourself on the path to new healthy habits before you know it. Breaking down a whole new lifestyle into week-by-week chunks will not only let you ease in gradually, but also allow you to make meaningful changes right from the start.

Begin by charting out a week-long plan that will make you more conscious of how you approach important elements of your program including muscle toning, cardio and making nutritious food choices. Here’s a five-day schedule to get you started: Start the Week Strong – Kick off the week with a medicine ball workout, which is a great way to work various muscles all at once. Try using a medicine ball with exercises that you’re already familiar with, such as push-ups, lunges or squats, or look up demo videos online to learn some new ways to use the medicine ball.

Monday:

Turn it Up – Running is a great form of exercise, but it’s important to mix up your cardio workouts to help prevent injury and become stronger overall. Grab your friends and try a cardio-focused class, such as Zumba.

Tuesday:

Spruce Up Your Fruit – Working out is key to keeping fit, but so is maintaining a healthy diet. When shopping for snacks, make smart choices that taste delicious, such as Dole Fruit in Jars, which provide five servings of all natural, fresh fruit.

Try pairing with Daisy Cottage Cheese to spruce up your fruit for a tasty parfait. Simply combine Dole Sliced Peaches, Daisy Low Fat Cottage Cheese and sliced almonds in a small bowl, then drizzle with honey and enjoy.

Wednesday:

Multi-task – Just because you’re catching up on your favorite TV show doesn’t mean you can’t work out. Clear some space between the couch and TV so you can watch while you do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks and squats. For extra motivation, leave your fitness tools near the television as a daily reminder.

Thursday:

Friday: Give Yourself a Star – Gold stars aren’t just for classrooms.

At the end of the week, mark each day that you exercised with a star on your calendar. Whether you went for a run, hit the gym or went for a walk with friends, the calendar will be a visual reminder of how often you’ve been working out, and will encourage you to keep going.

Remember, setting a long-term goal, such as running a marathon or dropping two dress sizes, can help keep you motivated over time, but also remember to celebrate your first mile run or your first five-pound loss. Keep tackling your new program one week at a time, and your goals will easily become reality.

Visit Dole.com for additional snacking ideas to get you on your way to a healthier you.

April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 71

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4/2

1.5 Story

Dalton’s Ridge

$339,900

$359,345

106%

0

4

3/1

2 Stories

Lakewood

$349,000

$341,350

98%

174

3

3/0 Reverse 1.5 Story

Dalton’s Ridge

$373,900

$398,915

107%

0

4

4/1 Reverse 1.5 Story

Paddock at Richardson Ranch

$399,000

$365,000

91%

0

4

3/1 Reverse 1.5 Story

Winterset Woods

$445,000

$425,000

96%

40

4

3/2

2 Stories

Woodland Shores

$525,000

$485,000

92%

140

4

4/1

1.5 Story

Lake Lotawana

$599,900

$585,000

98%

19

4

3/0

1.5 Story

$764,721

$764,721

100%

0

5

5/2

1.5 Story

$775,000

$698,000

90%

157

5

5/2

1.5 Story

Woodland Shores Windsor

Toni Tygart

Information obtained from Heartland MLS for the period of 02/1/14 to 02/28/14. *DOM=Days on Market.

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www.ToniTygart.com April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 73

Field Trip

Your Ticket to the Lee’s Summit Junior Police Academy!

Article Ann E. Butenas

A

re you looking for something new and exciting in which to involve your child during this upcoming summer break? Consider taking advantage of the Lee’s Summit Junior Police Academy, a weeklong program structured to simulate professional police academy experiences for kids ages 12-15.

The main objective behind this exciting summer program, now in its sixth year, is to expose young kids to what the police force actually does, dispelling the myths that frequently abound, thanks to TV, movies and video games.

“What we do as police officers is so different than what they see on TV or in the movies,” emphasizes Sergeant Cary Colyne, who has been with the Lee’s Summit Police Department for 15 years and is in his second year with the Junior Police Academy. “We want kids to understand what we do and what our role in society really is.”

The 2014 Junior Police Academy will be held July 14-18 and will run from 8 a.m. until noon at the Lee’s Summit Police Department. It is free of charge and is an action-packed week of academy training in which participants will learn about patrol tactics, crime scene investigations, drug and criminal investigations, K-9 units, fingerprinting, traffic and accident investigations, and emergency services work, a/k/a, “SWAT.” “We have a physical training course set up for the students and work with them through calisthenics and running drills, and we also have our SWAT team walk them through a physical test that is typical to the one given in the actual police academy,” explains Colyne, who emphasized that participation in that part of the program is completely voluntary.

Throughout the week, students are also exposed to situational activities, such as learning how to respond to calls; understanding what happens when dealing with a domestic dispute; and simulating a routine traffic stop.

74 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Additionally, students who attend this academy might have the chance to speak with other local and Federal law enforcement officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri Highway Patrol.

“This is a well-attended program and the feedback we have received in past years has been extremely positive,” remarks Colyne.

“In the past we have typically had about 25 kids take part in this event but we hope to open it up to at least 30 students this year.

The fast-paced week culminates in a graduation ceremony on the last day, during which certificates and medals are given to the students, followed by an outdoor barbeque.

“We also recognize one cadet in the group who demonstrates outstanding achievement during the week and present him or her with a trophy,” says Colyne.

This program works harmoniously with the D.A.R.E. program, which Lee’s Summit introduced into the local schools in 1991.This initiative provides a solid curriculum that educates students on how to resist peer pressure and live productive lives without the interference of drugs and violence.

“We originally started that program with two officers teaching in nine elementary schools and as the program expanded, we eventually realized four full-time officers and one part-time officer teaching the curriculum in 21 elementary schools and three middle schools in the Lee’s Summit school district,” notes Colyne.

“We simply want to be positive role models to kids and also help them to understand our job,” says Colyne.

For more information on the Junior Police Academy, go online at CityOfLS. net to download an application or call 816.986.3195.

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April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 75

Lifestyle Calendar

April April 10

April 13

15th Annual Wild About Harry!

Easter Bunny Bonanza

Kansas City

Legacy Park

The Truman Library Institute’s premiere event benefiting the presidential library and legacy of Harry S. Truman, supporting education and outreach programs created to foster civic engagement. Enjoy a sparkling social hour, elegant dinner and entertaining program.

TrumanLibrary.org

Hop on over for treats and fun with the Easter Bunny at Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation’s event Sunday from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

A partnership with Lee’s Summit Optimist Club. For kids ages 1 to 8, includes Easter Egg Hunt, games and activities, and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Pre-registration required. Small fee. Register at 816.969.1500 or LSParks.net.

April 12 & 19 OLLIE’S EGG HUNT

April 13

Paradise Park

Kansas City Pet Telethon

Join Ollie for an egg-citing good time in the Outdoor Performance Garden as Paradise Park hosts its annual Easter Eggs-travaganza.

Hundreds of hidden eggs await to be found! Plenty of Easter-themed fun for everyone. Admission to Children’s Edutainment Center is required to participate.10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.

Kansas City

April 12 Girls’ Day Out on the Square Independence Square

Need a little retail therapy? Looking for something fun and unique to do with your girlfriends? Plan a day on the Square and forget about your day-to-day stress. This will be a day of food, fun and shopping! Visit the website for your shopping passport for discounts and free gifts from participating merchants.

TheIndependenceSquare.com

April 12 EYE ON THE EAGLE 5K Lake Lotawana

Run through the streets of beautiful Lake Lotawana from 10 a.m.-noon.

Hosted by Boy Scout Troop #251. Race t-shirts guaranteed to participants registered before March 24. Begins at Lake Lotawana United Methodist Church.

Facebook.com/Troop251LakeLotawana or RunSignUp.com.

76 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Annual fundraiser hosted by KSHB’s Gary Lezak and Crystle Lampitt of 38 The Spot, along with other local personalities. Benefits the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, a no-kill shelter providing education, adoptions, preventive care and low-cost spay/neuter services. Call in to donate or watch on 38 The Spot. HSGKC.org or KCPetTelethon.org

April 15 Women Who’ve Changed the Heart of the City Sheraton at Crown Center

This annual fundraiser luncheon for City Union Mission will celebrate and honor women who have made a lasting mark on the fabric of our city. Since 1924, City Union Mission has provided warm beds, nutritious food and safety for thousands of poverty-stricken and homeless men, women and children. 11 a.m.; $125. CityUnionMission.org.

April 17 Let’s Get Jazzed 18th & Vine

Don’t miss this music-filled night that will support the American Diabetes Association in KC. The fun will take place at the American Jazz Museum and the famous Blue Room from 6-9 p.m. There will be food, drinks, great jazz, a live auction and the ever-popular raffle baskets. Diabetes.org/ LetsGetJazzed

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY NIGHT TEEN NIGHTS Second Friday each month

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 & 19 Ollie’s Egg Hunt

JUNE 15-20

Countdown to Summer- GIVEAWAY!

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 26 & 27

Seussical the Musical 2 Week Youth Acting Camp & Performances

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Backyard Bash- Outdoor Concert Liverpool- a tribute to the Beatles

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

Backyard Bash- Outdoor Concert Landslide- a tribute to Fleetwood Mac

now open

1021 NE Colbern Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 www.Paradise-Park.com

The Center for Rheumatic Disease & The Center for Allergy and Immunology Specializing in the treatment of Rheumatic Diseases:

Arthritis

•

Lupus

•

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Michael W. Smith, MD

Dr. Smith is a board certified rheumatologist who completed his training at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He grew up in western New York and received his undergraduate degree from St. Bonaventure University and his Master’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo prior to attending medical school. Dr. Smith is interested in the spectrum of rheumatologic diseases including lupus, vasculitis and arthritis.

Currently accepting new patients and patient referrals.

Please call for an appointment.

816-531-0930 | 6 NE Sycamore Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64086 | www.centerforrheumatic.com April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 77

Lifestyle Calendar

Symphony Showcase 2014

lee’s summit symphony HELZBERG HALL, KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS PHOTO BY TIM HURSLEY

SUNDAY MAY 25 3:00 pm

FEATURING:

LS R-7 High School Honor Orchestra 2014 Young Artist Winner Metheny Scholarship Winners

TICKETS:

April 18-19

$25 and $50 THEwww.lssymphony.org or (816) 994-7222 IS REALIZING YOU CAN ACTUALLY

FIRST RUSH OWN ONE.

Konstantino Trunk Show Kansas City

PERFORMANCE SPONSORED BY

Greek jewelry designer Konstantino debut at Meierotto Midwest Jewelers (4311 NE Vivion Road): His Aegean Collection features rock crystal doublet stones and precious turquoise set in sterling silver. His Flamenco Gold Collection includes London Blue Topaz, pearl, and diamond set in radiant 18kt yellow gold. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

816.453.1111 or MJewelry.com.

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April 19 Flights of Fancy Kite Festival MCC-Longview Campus

Join presenting sponsor Midwest Transplant Network at this annual kite festival, featuring dazzling mega kite displays by the Kansas City Kite Club on the picturesque lawn of the MCC-Longview campus. Throughout Kansas City, individuals and families alike are making MCC-Longview Flights of Fancy “a definite” on their spring calendar. MCCFlightsOfFancy.org

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Flights of Fancy Run/Walk, a USATF certified 5K, 10K run, 1.5 mile walk travels along the beautiful vistas of Longview Lake Park and historic Longview Mansion. The race will finish just as the colorful kites rise into the sky and participants enjoy refreshments and the awards ceremony. FofRunWalk.com

April 19

816-942-8900

13611 Holmes Road KC, MO 64145

www.renoskc.com Dealer Tagging Area

©2013 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ™, ®, and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP. Products distributed in the USA by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right to discontinue or modify product models, features or price at any time. Not all riding conditions are appropriate for inexperienced or beginner riders. Always ride safely and responsibly. *Excludes freight, delivery charges, taxes and registration fees. 2107360

INTRODUCING THE SEA-DOO SPARK. STARTING AT $4,999.* ®

Flights of Fancy Run/Walk

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| April 78 Lee’s SummitYour Lifestyle 2014 dream of family fun on the water is now a reality. Spark some fun today in our showroom, or at Sea-Doo.com.

Bunny Hop Downtown

Children and families are invited to join the Easter Bunny in a parade from City Hall Plaza to Howard Station Park, get your picture taken

with him, visit participating stores to receive free candy, participate in Easter Bonnet & Hat Contest. DowntownLS.org

April 20 Earth Day Celebration Powell Gardens

Arrive early and take home a tree seedling. Enter a drawing for a chance to win a rain barrel. See demonstrations of sustainable gardening techniques and an upcycling display. Build a mason bee house to take home. Listen to a story by Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. PowellGardens.org

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April 24

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Lee’s Summit’s Got Talent Auditions MCC LONGVIEW

This ‘American Idol’ style contest showcases some of the amazing talent in our community. Auditions will be held at MCC-Longview Cultural Arts Center. Audition forms due by April 16. Details at LSCares.org.

April 25 Fourth Friday Downtown

Explore downtown Lee’s Summit for art, music and theatre events.

Visit participating businesses and restaurants for cultural art fun.

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April 26 Spring Spin Bike Ride Lee’s Summit

Start and finish at Charles David Hartman Park, 700 SW Old Pryor Road, at 8 a.m. rain or shine. The route will be marked and maps will be available online and at packet pick-up. Choose from 25or 50-mile ride. A fully-supported ride. Call 913.969.1500 or visit LSParks.net or Active.com.

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April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 79

Lifestyle Calendar

April 26 26th Annual Benefit Auction

100% That’s the percent of our residents who say that SummitView Terrace is a great place to make friends*

Our Lady of the Presentation

“Catch the Wave for Catholic Education” 5:30 – 10 p.m. A fun-filled night supporting Catholic education in Lee’s Summit. Grab your beach attire for some fun at OLP. Meet KMBZ 9 News personality Erin Little. Advance tickets are $50 or $55 at the door. Contact Auction Chair Laura Pierce lpierce@olpls.org by April 4 for reserved seating.

May 7 John Legend’s “All of Me” Tour Kauffman Center

On the heels of his outstanding performance at this year’s GRAMMYs, Kauffman Center is proud to present John Legend as part of the 2013–2014 ‘Kauffman Center Presents’ season. Helzberg Hall. Tickets $55 to $125. Call 816.994.7222 or visit KauffmanCenter.org.

May 8 Mother of All Happy Hours Metro-wide

Find out why.

SummitView Terrace assisted living

by Americare

12101 East Bannister Rd • Kansas City, MO 64138

Just 2 miles from Lee’s Summit

www.americareusa.net • 816.763.6667

Care is in everything we do. * 2013 MyInnerView Survey Results by

80 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

The third annual event supports the Mother’s Market which provides basic necessities for single moms living in Juniper Garden’s and St Margaret’s housing in KCK. Each event seeks donation of cash and goods. Want to get involved? Host a happy hour in your home or business. Project39Moms.com

Lee’s Summit Community Calendar Do you have a free weekend and find yourself looking for something to do? Are you planning a special event or festival? Check out LSTourism.com for a comprehensive list of community events. If your group is planning an event, check here first to make sure it doesn’t conflict with other local happenings.

o

u

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sponsors

The

of

le

p

Market r

le

e’s

summit

e lif

st

y

Art & Photography Portrait Gallery (816) 461-5400 portraitinc.com

Automotive

Lee’s Summit Symphony (816) 401-5251 lssymphony.org

A&M Home Furnishings (913) 438-3868 amhomefurnishings.com

University of Kansas Hospital (913) 588-1227 kumed.com

Paradise Park (816) 246-5224 paradise-park.com

Home Design & Furnishings

Real Estate

Reno’s Power Sports KC (816) 942-8900 renoscanam.com Starlight Theater (816)363-STAR (7827) kcstarlight.com

Dave Cross Motors (816) 524-3636 davecrossmotors.com

The Nelson-Atkins Museum (816) 751-1286 nelson-atkins.org

Executive Automotive (816) 524-6100 executiveautomotive.com

Xtreme Gymnastics & Training (816) 347-8008 xtremefamilyfitnesskc.com

Lee’s Summit Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep,Ram (816) 525-9825 lsdcj.com

Fashion & Accessories

Child Camps, Care & Tutoring

Club Z & Home Tutoring (816) 965-0090 clubztutoring.com

Community Events & Organizations Lee’s Summit Chamber of Commerce (816) 524-2424 yourstrulyls.com

Dentists & Orthodontics

Marilyn Arnold Designs (816) 503-9979 marilynarnolddesigns.com

Meierotto Midwest Jewelers (816) 453-1111 mjewelry.com

Financial Services & Planning Community America cacu.com/heloc Edward Jones 1-(800) ED-JONES edwardjones.com

Sheila R. Jungmeyer DDS, PC & Associates (816) 554-1600 jungmeyerdental.com

RBC Wealth Management/ Haynes & Woodward (913) 451-3572 rbcwmfa.com/hayneswoodwardinvgrp

Spencer & Spencer (816) 607-6000 spencerdental.com

Florists

Budget Blinds of Lee’s Summit (816) 554-7779 budgetblinds.com/leessummit Seasonal Concepts (913) 642-4999 seasonalconceptsonline.com

Home Services

HOME Window Cleaning (816) 284-6189 letthelifeshinein.com KC Wood (913) 422-3320 kcwood.com Midwest Lifetime Roof Systems (913) 393-3008 lifetimeroofsystems.com ProConcreteFX, LLC (816) 866-7239 proconcretefx.com Sound Bytes KC (816) 525-8823 soundbyteskc.com Tile & Stone Warehouse (913) 432-7900 tileandstonewarehouse.com State Farm - Michael Chapman (816) 525-6868 trustchapman.com

Legal Services

Law Offices Of Cain & Cain PC (816) 795-7714 cainandcain.com

Medical Clinics & Facilities

Gale Team (816) 808-3780 Keller Williams Platinum Partners LC (816) 875-1711 frankpaszkiewicz.yourkwagent.com Renee Amey Team RE/MAX Elite (816) 795-2595 reneeamey.com Summit East Plaza Apartments (816) 524-8222 summiteastapts.com Toni Tygart Real Estate Group (816) 795-2500 tonitygart.com

Religion

Woods Chapel United Methodist Church (816) 795-8848 woodschapelchurch.org

Restaurants, Food & Beverage

County Beverage Company (816) 525-4550 beeresponsible.com

Salons & Spas

Summit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa (816) 347-0026 drchhatre.com

Senior Living & Services

Home Instead (816) 554-6166 homeinstead.com

Bennett EyeCare Midwest (816) 454-2020 bennetteyecaremidwest.com

Simply Home Companion and Personal Care, LLC (816) 246-6300 simplyhomesenior.com

Community Blood Centers (816) 753-4040 savealifenow.org

Summit View Terrace (816) 763-6667 americareusa.net

Awaken Whole Life Center (816) 565-4017 awakenwholelifecenter.com

Foot Care Specialist (816) 246-4222 jfosterdpm.com

Specialty Shops

Park University (816) 746-2579 park.edu

Jazzercise of Lee’s Summit (816) 551-0627

Summit Christian Academy (816) 525-1480 summit-christian-academy.org

The Center For Rheumatic Disease (816) 531-0930 centerforrheumatic.com

Healthcare for Women (816) 350-1200 hfwdocs.com

Dry Cleaners

Ross Miller Dry Cleaning (816) 554-6656 rossmillercleaners.com

Education

Our Lady Of Presentation School (816) 251-1150 olplsschool.org

Entertainment & Recreation Kansas City Zoo (816) 513-5800 jazzookc.org

Lee’s Summit Parks and Rec (816) 969-1500 lsparks.net

Alissa’s Flower & Interior (816) 254-7727 alissasflowers.com

Grocery

Cosentino’s Food Stores (913) 749-1616

Health & Wellness

Home Builders & Remodelers

Dill Enterprises Inc. (816) 554-3455 dillenterprises.com

Lee’s Summit Medical Center (816) 282-5060 leessummitmedicalcenter.com Mid America Rehab Hospital (913) 491-2400 midamericarehabhospital.com

Cargo Largo (816) 350-6101 cargolargo.com

Greenwood Antiques Mall (816) 537-7172 Henry’s Antiques, Collectibles & Tea Room (816) 524-3992 henrystearoom.com

Truman Medical Center-Lakewood (816) 404-6755 trumed.org April 2014 | Lee’s Summit Lifestyle 81

Parting Thoughts

BYOB Words Denise Snodell

A

mysterious thing happens to every person I know, especially me, when it comes to using reusable shopping totes. We do and we don’t. We remember and we forget. Which way is the wind blowing?

And even if the wind is mild, it’s likely carrying a puffed up plastic bag that’s destined to get snagged in the nearest tree.

Every time I walk into a store empty-handed, the only thing I recycle is my guilt. This is curious, because when I drive anywhere, I keep my enviro-bags right next to me on the passenger seat. Right next to me! These totes are light as a feather, emblazoned with the Sierra Club logo, and just shouting out for me to do my part. Yet too many times I fail to remember the simple act of picking up the bags with my fully-trained opposable thumbs. I don’t understand why.

Maybe forgetting the reusable sack is part of the human condition. Tired and stressed, we pull into massive parking lots. We’re distracted thinking about our shopping lists and that passive aggressive comment Shirley made about the fundraiser. We trudge across endless asphalt acreage, stumble through the automatic doors, grab our carts, then halfway through loading up: Doh! A fellow shopper strolls by wielding a stack of earth-friendly totes. And a smug look.

I want to be the person with the smug look!

We need a study. But not on how harmful plastic bags are for the environment. We’re clear on that. Most of us know these crinkly little logo balloons will not break down in landfills. They jam storm drains, smother wildlife, make the outdoors ugly and increase our demand for oil—all these negatives and more. But we need to study why we forget to carry our reusable bags into stores.

82 Lee’s Summit Lifestyle | April 2014

Is the empty-handed entrance a habit? Are we spacey? Preoccupied?

Bag blank-outs seem to happen less when I go to groovier retailers. They have smaller parking lots and larger doses of peer pressure. Sometimes there’s a colorful chalkboard easel out front with gentle handwritten reminders, “Remember your bags!”

U-turn. Retrieve Sierra totes. Enter Smugville.

But the massive chain stores don’t seem to care. They push the plastic sacks like a grandma wields a plate of cookies. It’s like the more un-biodegradable sheaths you leave with, the more points they get.

“Oh, let me double-bag your solitary purchase of lip balm in case you drop it and the lid flies off.”

“Milk in the bag? Milk chocolate in the bag? Bag in the bag? Please let me pluck every grape off this vine and sack each one individually.”

The solution, I think, is an outright ban. Seattle, San Francisco and other places have obliterated the plastic sacks. I’ll bet it’s made a difference. In Los Angeles, too, you will not find plastic. (Bags, anyway.) If you don’t have a reusable tote, you pay a dime for a somewhat earth-friendlier paper one. Sounds reasonable.

Other solutions, besides the obvious ban? Name the next chain store Bring Your Own Bag Mart. Or install every car with a British siri-like voice that says, upon parking, “Keep calm and carry your bahhg.”

I don’t know. Old habits die hard, especially the act of walking into a store zoned out and empty-handed. But I’m totally trying, or in young person lingo, I’m totes trying.

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